The scammers have hijacked legitimate accountancy firms and are sending emails purporting to be from their domains asking for fake payment of additional membership fees.

The email asks members for immediate payment of a tax charge of £47.50 in order to renew their practicing certificates and licenses.

There is a link to a scam payment system, called pay.gocardless, which demands payment. The email also stated that a direct debit can also be set up to make the payment, although a big give-away was the US spelling of ‘authorize’ with a Z instead of British spelling.

In response, ACCA said it had contacted affected members and informed card payment organisations.