Self-assessment customers being targeted by fraudsters

Those who file a self-assessment tax return each year are being warned by HMRC to be vigilant when it comes to scammers.

HMRC say that in the 12 months to August 2022, they have responded to more than 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact from the public, of which almost 81,000 were scams offering fake tax rebates.

People have been contacted by email, text and phone, with the criminals claiming various things, from bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said, “Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

“HMRC will never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.

“Tax scams come in many forms. Some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a rebate. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on GOV.UK.”

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