Scams warning after 17% surge in referrals to HMRC

Self-assessment taxpayers must be wary of fraudsters warns HMRC after a 17% rise in fraud reports.

The tax authority revealed that taxpayers had made more than 144 298 scam referrals in the past year up from 123 596 the previous year.

With millions of people due to complete their self-assessment tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2025 fraudsters are likely to target people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to get hold of personal information and banking details. HMRC says that about half of all scam reports (71 832) in the last year were fake tax rebate claims.

HMRC confirmed it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest or ask for personal or financial information over text message.

Dawn Register a tax dispute resolution partner at BDO said: ‘As we approach the...