As the 31 January Self-Assessment tax return deadline approaches, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a stark warning about an increase in scams.
Fraudsters are targeting taxpayers with fake tax rebate offers and demands for payment, all designed to steal personal and financial information.
Over the past year, HMRC received nearly 150,000 scam referrals, with fake tax rebate claims making up half of these reports.
Here are some common tax scams to watch out for:
Fake tax refund offers
Emails, texts, or calls claiming you are owed a refund and asking for personal details are fraudulent.
HMRC will never notify you of a refund via these channels. Legitimate refunds must be claimed through your HMRC online account or app.
Threatening messages
Fraudsters often use scare tactics, such as voicemails threatening legal action or arrest for unpaid tax.
HMRC has confirmed it will never contact you in this way.
Requests for personal or banking information
Any unsolicited communication asking for sensitive information, particularly banking details, should be treated as suspicious.
How to stay secure
- Use official channels – Only access your tax information via the official HMRC website or the secure HMRC app. Bookmark these sites to avoid clicking on fake links.
- Verify suspicious communications – If you receive a message claiming to be from HMRC:
- Forward phishing emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Report suspicious texts to 60599
- Refer to the HMRC scams advice page for guidance
- Be cautious of urgent demands – Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly. Take your time to verify the legitimacy of any request, even if it claims to be urgent.
- Work with our trusted accountants – Our experienced accountants can help you with your Self-Assessment, ensuring that your submission is accurate and that fraudsters do not catch you out.
- Educate yourself and others – Familiarise yourself with common scam tactics and share this information with friends, family, or colleagues who may be filing their Self-Assessment.
HMRC’s advice
HMRC has reiterated that they will never:
- Leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
- Ask for personal or financial details via text, email, or phone
Our team of expert accountants is here to help you file your tax return securely and accurately, so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact us today to ensure your Self-Assessment tax return process is stress-free and protected from scams.
