Scams warning for millions of workers submitting online tax returns

With around 12 million people expected to submit online Self-Assessment tax returns by 31 January 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are reminding people to be wary of scam emails, texts and phone calls.
 
The warning comes as HMRC received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the year to September 2023. Almost 60,000 people were approached and offered fake tax rebates by fraudsters.

Different types of scam approaches 

 - An offer of a tax rebate 
 - Being asked to update your tax details 
 - A threat of immediate arrest for tax evasion
 
HMRC is warning its customers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run up to the Self-Assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.

“Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.”
 
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services 

How to report tax scam suspicions

 - Forward suspicious texts claiming to be sent from HMRC to 60599
 - Emails can be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
 - Tax scam phone calls can be reported to HMRC via GOV.UK