With the 31st January Self Assessment deadline on the horizon, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers to be on their guard against scams. Fraudsters are once again targeting Self Assessment customers with fake emails, texts and phone calls designed to steal personal and banking information.
How the Scams Work
The most common trick is for scammers to pose as HMRC, offering bogus tax refunds or demanding urgent payments. They may pressure people into sharing details like usernames, passwords or bank account numbers. HMRC stresses that it will never:
- Leave voicemails threatening arrest or legal action
- Ask for financial or personal details via text or email
- Notify customers of a tax rebate by phone, text or email and ask them to claim
If you’re due a refund, it can only be claimed securely through your HMRC online account or the free HMRC app.
The Scale of the Problem
Between August 2024 and July 2025, HMRC received over 170,000 scam reports from customers — including 47,000 attempts involving fake tax refunds. While this marks a small drop from last year, the problem remains widespread.
Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, explained:
“Scammers target individuals when they know Self Assessment customers will be preparing to file their tax returns. We’re urging everyone to stay alert to scam emails and texts offering fake tax refunds. Taking a moment to pause and check can make all the difference.”
Tips to Stay Safe
- File early: Submitting your return ahead of the deadline makes it easier to spot suspicious messages.
- Pause and verify: Don’t rush to respond to messages. Always check official HMRC guidance before clicking links or sharing information.
- Report scams: Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, texts to 60599 and report scam calls directly via GOV.UK.
