“Inland Revenue is taking action to recover the money with one individual already under an instalment arrangement to pay it back.”
Inland Revenue has stopped more than $4m in bogus claims linked to a social media scheme. Photo / 123rf
Bourke said the fraud scheme appears to be spreading through a community or workplace network, with reports a person on social media was offering to help people with expense claims.
“What initially appeared to be concentrated in the transport industry has broadened significantly to other areas,” Bourke said.
“Several customers came into our Front of House in Auckland and Wellington earlier in the week wanting to reset their myIR passwords so they could amend their returns.
“They told IR staff the word in the transport industry was that there were people who knew how to get extra money.
“Work is already underway to identify people promoting/running the scheme. If anyone is thinking they can make a quick buck by joining in the scheme they should think again.
“Inland Revenue is aware, can see what is happening and will take action. There are always consequences.”
IR also received anonymous information about the scheme.