Inland Revenue is warning New Zealanders to be on high alert following a spate of malicious emails posing as the tax department.

Whether it be through a series of copy-cat websites or simply fake inbox messages, Kiwis have been advised to be mindful of such activity in a bid to prevent potential identity and data theft.

"The scheme involves customers receiving emails with links to imitation Inland Revenue web pages for Online Tax Refunds," says Eleanor Young, group manager Customer Services, Inland Revenue.

"We want to make our customers aware that this is a scam and a deliberate attempt to use the Inland Revenue logo and brand to steal confidential and personal information.

“Although the pages look very similar to those on the Inland Revenue website they are most definitely fake."