Beware of Scams as Self Assessment Deadline Approaches

As the Self Assessment Tax Return deadline approaches on 31 January 2025, HMRC is warning taxpayers to watch out for scams and fraud.

With millions preparing to file their returns, scammers are beefing up their efforts to target unsuspecting people.

Scam Attempts Are Soaring

In the past year alone, HMRC received almost 150,000 scam reports related to Self Assessment Tax Return, up 16.7% from the year before. Nearly half of those were fake tax refund claims.

Scammers are using emails, texts and phone calls to pose as HMRC, tricking people into false promises of refunds or threats of legal action to steal personal and banking details.

How to Spot a Scam 

The best way to spot scams is to be aware of what HMRC does and does not do. For instance, HMRC says that it will never: 

• Leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
• Request personal or financial information via text or email
• Offer refunds through unsolicited communication

If you receive such messages, you must take the following steps to avoid becoming a victim of fraudsters: 

• Pause and Verify - Don’t rush to respond. Cross-check the communication with official advice on GOV.UK. 
• Look for Red Flags - Suspicious calls, emails or texts asking for sensitive information are likely fraudulent. 
• Do Not Trust Caller ID - Numbers can be easily spoofed.

How to Report Suspicious Activity 

You can help stop scams by reporting any suspicious communication. You can do this in the following ways: 

• Forward the scam emails you receive to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
• Forward any scam texts you receive to 60599.
• Report fraudulent calls via the HMRC website.

The best thing to do is to make HMRC aware of scams and the ways scammers target people. 

How to Protect Yourself 

To safeguard your information: 

• Use strong, unique passwords across accounts.
• Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages.
• Stay informed through the HMRC website and the government’s ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign at www.gov.uk/stopthinkfraud.

Conclusion

HMRC advises taxpayers to stay cautious. Take your time to check and use HMRC’s official resources. Being careful helps protect you and others from scams.

If you are due a tax refund, use HMRC’s official online account or its secure app. If you need help, you can contact HMRC directly to stop scams and make the tax season safe for everyone.