The HMRC is warning people to watch out for tax scams as the deadline passed for people to file a self-assessment tax return.
Millions of people are likely to be more receptive to messages or phone calls purporting to be from HMRC as the clock ticks, with the tax authority reporting it responded to 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact last tax year, typically fake offers of tax rebates and threats of arrest for tax evasion.
More than 12 million customers were expected to file a tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and HMRC says 8.7 million had done so by last week, meaning 3.3 million were getting close to the January 31 deadline. Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact with the tax office so HMRC is therefore warning self-assessment customers to be extra vigilant to suspicious emails, text messages and phone calls.
Read more: Social media scams to look out for in 2023 and how to avoid them
Consumer group Which? has identified the following common methods fraudsters use to trick you into parting with personal details and cash:
Fake phone calls and text messages
HMRC has been working with the telecoms industry and Ofcom to remove 48 phone numbers being used to commit HMRC-related phone scams, such as calling customers pretending to be from the tax office, and threatening potential victims with lawsuits, warrants for their arrest or demands for outstanding tax to be paid. Scammers carrying out this tactic usually then try to persuade their victims to make a payment over the phone – straight into the fraudster's bank account.
Fake text messages making similar threats, or offering a tax refund are also common. Scammers can even use number spoofing to make your phone display ‘HMRC’ as the sender, instead of their phone number and links in these messages will usually send you to a website that will harvest your personal information, or spread malware that can lead to identity or money theft, or both.
Phishing emails
Emails that spoof a genuine address or change the ‘display name’ to make it appear genuine are also used by scammers. Like scam text messages, these emails will usually include a link to a website to try to harvest your personal details or ask you to transfer money. Make sure you check emails for strange sender details, spelling mistakes and requests to part with your bank details and do not click on any email links unless you're sure they're from a legitimate person or company.
Misleading websites
Another common scam to look out for is fake websites designed to make people pay for services that should be free or low cost – for example, charging to connect people to free HMRC phone helplines. Since 2017, the department has recovered more than 183 websites hosting low-value services such as call-connection sites.
Social media
HMRC says it would never contact anyone via WhatsApp or social media to ask for tax payments. Any requests that suggest otherwise are scams.
Protect yourself against scams
Keep these points in mind the next time you're contacted by someone who says they're from HMRC:
How are you being contacted? While HMRC does send some email and text message notifications, it will never ask for your bank account details or personal information via text. It also never sends notifications by email or text to tell you that you eligible for a tax rebate or refund.
Are you being put under pressure? If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If you’re feeling pressured by someone on the phone or threatened in any way, there’s nothing wrong with challenging the request or rejecting it completely. You can then contact HMRC and check whether the request was from the tax office.
Does it seem like a genuine call, text, email or letter? If contact is unexpected, don’t reply and don’t download attachments or click on links before checking on the government website to see if the contact seems genuine. Numbers and email addresses can be spoofed, so don’t take the sender’s details at face value.
Report the suspected scam to HMRC to investigate and hopefully stop other people from becoming victims. Forward suspicious texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. You can also report tax scam phone calls, emails and texts via the Gov.uk website.
What to do if you fall for a scam
If you have either been a victim of a scam or spot a suspicious website, you can report this in several ways:
Fraud and cyber crime can be reported to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud.
You can also report internet scams and phishing to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Suspicious websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
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