HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning following reports of over 4,800 self assessment scams since February. Scammers, using persuasive and threatening tactics, target individuals when they are most likely to receive correspondence from HMRC, sending fake tax demands or pressurising people into divulging personal information.
Over the past 10 months, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fraudulent tax refund claims. During that period HMRC has shut down nearly 25,000 fraudulent websites and phone numbers.
As the self assessment deadline approaches, HMRC is urging customers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC on GOV.UK. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here.
The deadline for filing returns and paying any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is January 31. Customers can file online on GOV.UK.
Lucy Pike, HMRC's chief security officer, explained: "Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out."
She added: "I'm urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don't be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search 'report an HMRC scam' on GOV.UK to find out more."
HMRC will never:
Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to phishing@hmrc. gov.uk, SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls impersonating HMRC on GOV.UK.
You can find out more about how to report scam activity to HMRC on GOV.UK.
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