The email, which is currently circulating in Mid Sussex, says that the recipient is entitled to a tax rebate and attaches a 'claim form' to fill in. She warns it is an attempt to commit identity fraud and you should not open the attachment or respond to the email.

The Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner said: "I have received one of these emails myself. At first glance it may appear to come from an HMRC email address but it ends in '.co.uk' and genuine government addresses end in '.gov.uk'.

"Haywards Heath is one of the top 25 'hotspots' for identity fraud in the country and so it is not surprising that fraudsters target people in our area. It is a sad reflection on our times but we all have to be on the alert for scams like this. The email is designed to try and get important personal details that would help the fraudster to steal your identity.

"Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubt about whether an email is genuine or not, check the website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm or contact the tax credits helpline."

Have you been affected by the scam? What do you think about this? Leave a comment below or contact the newsdesk by calling 01444 452201 or email by clicking here.