Scams warning as Self Assessment deadline looms

Tuesday November 26th 2024

Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson

Concerned customers reported nearly 150,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the last year, as Self Assessment filers are warned to be alert to fraudsters.

With millions of people due to complete their Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2025, fraudsters are targeting people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to get hold of personal information and banking details. Around half of all scam reports (71,832) in the last year were fake tax rebate claims.

There has been a 16.7% increase in all scam referrals to HMRC – 144,298 were received between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 in the previous 12-month period.

If someone receives communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for their personal information or is offering a tax rebate, check the advice on GOV.UK to help identify if it is scam activity.

HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information over text message – only fraudsters and criminals will do that.

Kelly Paterson, Chief Security Officer at HMRC, said:

“With millions of people filing their Self Assessment return before January’s deadline, we’re warning everyone to be wary of emails promising tax refunds.

“Being vigilant helps you spot potential scams. And reporting anything suspicious helps us stop criminal activity and to protect you and others who could have received similar bogus communication.

“Our advice remains unchanged. Don’t rush into anything, take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on GOV.UK.”

HMRC will not contact you by email, text, or phone to announce a refund or ask you to request one. Anyone who is due a refund from HMRC can claim it via their online HMRC account or the free and secure HMRC app.

HMRC have also given this advice, Protect, Recognise and Report

Protect

Criminals are cunning – protect your information
Take a moment to think before parting with your money or information
Use strong and different passwords on all your accounts so criminals are less able to target you

Recognise

If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links
Check on GOV.UK that the contact is genuinely from HMRC
Do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed

Report

If you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or an email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report a tax scam phone call on GOV.UK
Contact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen and report it to Action Fraud. In Scotland, contact police on 101
By reporting phishing emails, you help stop criminal activity and prevent other people falling victim