HM Revenue and Customs has warned customers to be vigilant as an uptick of scammers has been reported ahead of the tax deadline
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging customers to be on high alert for scams as the self-assessment deadline looms. Millions are due to submit their Self Assessment tax return and settle any outstanding tax with HMRC by January 31.
With a potential £100 penalty at stake, those required to file a tax return are being encouraged to do so promptly. However, they should also be wary of fraudsters exploiting the tax return period to pilfer personal details.
Some scams flagged by HMRC involve offering tax refunds or demanding tax payments. While these messages may seem convincing, their true purpose is to extract personal and banking information.
This warning comes as HMRC data shows that half of all scam reports last year were bogus tax rebate claims. However, identifying fraudsters posing as the taxman can be difficult.
According to MEN, official advice states that HMRC will never reach out via email, text, or phone to inform claimants they’re due a refund or to prompt them to request one. If a claimant is owed a tax refund from HMRC, they can verify and claim it through their online account or the HMRC app.
HMRC also emphasised that if a phone call, text message, or email could be a scam if it:
- Tries to hurry you
- Is menacing
- You weren’t anticipating contact from HMRC
- Requests your personal details such as bank information
- Urges you to transfer funds
- Offers a tax rebate or grant
HMRC also has a firm policy of never leaving a voicemail threatening legal action or arrest. It’s worth noting that not all messages like this purporting to be from HMRC are fraudulent.
HMRC does occasionally send text messages to its customers, which may include a link to GOV. UK or HMRC webchat. However, customers are advised not to click on any links in a text or email offering a tax refund in exchange for personal information.
If you receive communication that you believe isn’t from HMRC but rather a fraudster trying to steal your details, you can take the following steps depending on how you were contacted:
Suspicious text message – Don’t reply. Instead, forward it to 60599 to report it as a potential scam.
Suspicious email – Don’t reply or click any included links and instead forward the email to phishing@hmrc.govU.K.. After doing this, delete the email.
If you suspect that you’ve already inadvertently shared information with fraudsters due to an HMRC scam, you can reach out to the HMRC security team via email at security. custcon@hmrc.gov.uk. When getting in touch with the security team, it’s important to give a brief summary of what information you’ve disclosed, but remember not to include any actual personal details in the email.