With the 31 January Self-Assessment deadline on the horizon, scammers are ramping up their efforts to target unsuspecting taxpayers.
From fake rebate offers to intimidating payment demands, fraudsters are out to steal your personal and financial information.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reported a worrying rise in scams, with nearly 150,000 fraudulent messages flagged last year alone.
Shockingly, around half of these were fake tax refund claims.
Common scams to watch out for
Fake tax refunds
It might sound tempting, but any email, text, or phone call promising a refund is almost certainly a scam.
These messages often ask for personal details, such as your bank account information.
Remember, HMRC will never contact you this way to notify you of a refund.
If you are due a rebate, you will need to claim it through your official HMRC online account or app.
Threatening messages
Fraudsters often try to scare people into paying up.
You might receive a voicemail warning of legal action, fines, or even arrest if you don’t respond immediately.
Don’t panic, HMRC has confirmed they will never contact you with such threats.
Requests for sensitive information
Any unexpected request for your banking details or other personal data should set off alarm bells.
Scammers may pose as HMRC to gain your trust, but legitimate communications will never ask for this information unsolicited.
Your guide to staying secure
Access your tax information only through the official HMRC website or secure app.
Bookmark these to avoid accidentally clicking on fake links.
Received a dubious email or text?
Forward phishing emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and report scam texts to 60599.
You can also check the HMRC scams advice page for guidance.
Fraudsters often pressure their victims to act fast, leaving no time to think.
Pause, double-check, and verify any urgent requests before taking action.
HMRC’s reassurance
To make things crystal clear, HMRC will never send threatening voicemails or messages about arrest or legal action, or request sensitive information like bank details via text, email, or phone.
The Self-Assessment deadline is stressful enough without worrying about scams.
Our team of expert accountants is here to take the hassle out of tax returns. Get in touch today to make your Self-Assessment process secure and worry-free.
