Fraudsters are targeting people with bogus offers of tax refunds or demanding payments to get hold of personal information and banking details, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) warned
People filling out their tax returns have been issued with a scam warning by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Britons are being cautioned against con artists trying to steal personal information and bank details with fake tax refund offers or by demanding payments. With January 31, 2025, as the due date for millions to file their tax returns and settle owed taxes, HMRC said that half of the past year’s scam reports entailed phony tax rebate claims.
In addition, there’s been a 16.7% rise in scam referrals to HMRC. Between November 2023 and October 2024, there were 144,298 scam reports up from 123,596 in the preceding 12-month stretch. HMRC stresses that it never leaves voicemails threatening legal action or arrest nor solicits personal or financial information via text message.
They advise taxpayers to consult gov.uk for guidance if contacted by anyone purporting to be HMRC and seeking personal data or offering a refund. Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s chief security officer, stated: “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.”
Anyone who is due a refund from HMRC can claim it via their online HMRC account or the free and secure HMRC app. Phishing attempts can be reported to HMRC by forwarding emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, reporting tax scam phone calls to HMRC on gov.uk and forwarding suspect texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599.
