Stay sharp – Protecting yourself from tax scams this Self-Assessment season

As the Self-Assessment tax return deadline of 31 January 2025 approaches, fraudsters are sharpening their tools.  

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has seen a worrying rise in tax-related scams, with reports of fraudulent activity jumping 16.7 per cent over the past year. 

Between November 2023 and October 2024 alone, HMRC received a staggering 144,298 scam reports.  

Many of these involve criminals pretending to be HMRC, preying on the urgency of tax season to deceive individuals and businesses into sharing sensitive information. 

This time of year is prime hunting ground for scammers, but with a bit of knowledge and vigilance, you can avoid their traps. Here is how. 

How to recognise a tax scam 

Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated, but their schemes often share tell-tale signs. Watch out for these red flags: 

• Unusual communication methods – HMRC will never contact you by text or email to ask for personal or banking details. They also won’t leave threatening voicemails or demand instant payment over the phone. 

• Suspicious links or attachments – Fake emails or messages often include links promising tax refunds or attachments asking for personal details. Clicking on these can expose your information or infect your devices with malware. 

• Pressure tactics – Scammers thrive on urgency. Demands for immediate payment or threats of arrest are a clear signal that something is not right, and HMRC doesn’t operate this way. 

Protecting yourself 

You do not need to be a tech wizard to defend yourself against scams, just take these simple steps: 

• Verify communications – If you are unsure about any message or call, do not engage. Contact HMRC directly using the details on their official website. 

• Keep your devices secure – Install up-to-date security software on your computer and mobile devices. A secure system is your first line of defence. 

• Get expert help – Managing your Self-Assessment with professional support can reduce stress and help you identify legitimate communications. Our team is here to assist. 

Do not let scammers take a bite out of your finances 

Falling victim to fraud can have devastating consequences, both financially and emotionally.  

With tax scams on the rise, there is no better time to double-check anything that looks suspicious. 

Contact us today if you need help navigating your Self-Assessment or dealing with tax-related concerns.