Last updated: 10 Dec 2024 11:00 Posted in:
HMRC has warned taxpayers to be ‘extra vigilant’ as it reported 145,000 scam referrals for fake rebates and demands for tax in the past year.
And the tax authority is urging taxpayers to be particularly cautious about refund scams as the 31 January tax return deadline draws closer.
It said 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.
In the past 12 months, taxpayers reported nearly 145,000 scam referrals to HMRC, which was up 16.7%. In total, 144,298 scam referrals were received between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 in the previous 12-month period.
HMRC warned: “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.”
It confirmed that it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information over text message. Additionally, it will not contact taxpayers by email, text, or phone to notify that a refund will be paid or to recommend making a claim. Anyone who is due a refund from HMRC can claim it via their online HMRC account or the free and secure HMRC app.
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.”
She said if a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, do not give out private information or reply, and never download attachments or click on links as scammers use these to harvest data and infect computers and mobile phones with viruses or phishing attacks.
