Scams targeting taxpayers are rising: here’s how to protect yourself
As we head into self-assessment season, HMRC has issued a fresh warning about a sharp rise in tax-related scams.
Over the past year, almost 145,000 scam attempts were reported to HMRC — a 17% increase on the previous year. And those are just the ones that were flagged. The real number is likely to be much higher.
How these scams usually work
Most scams follow a familiar pattern. Fraudsters pose as HMRC and contact people claiming:
- they are owed a tax refund
- they have unpaid tax that needs urgent action
- legal action, penalties or arrest are imminent
Around half of all reported scams involved fake tax rebate claims, which shows just how effective that hook still is.
Messages often arrive by text, email or phone, and are designed to look convincing — using HMRC branding, official-sounding language and links to fake websites.
What HMRC will never do
It’s worth being absolutely clear on this, because it helps cut through the panic scammers rely on.
HMRC has confirmed that it will never:
- text, email or call you to offer a tax refund
- ask for personal or financial details by phone or message
- leave threatening voicemails about arrest or court action
- ask you to click a link to claim money or make an urgent payment
If you receive a message like this, it is not HMRC.
How tax refunds really work
Genuine tax refunds can only be claimed securely through:
- your official HMRC online account, or
- the free HMRC app
There are no shortcuts, surprise messages or “one-click” refunds.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message
If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. HMRC’s advice is simple:
- Do not reply
- Do not click links
- Do not download attachments
- Do not share any information
Instead, report it using the official channels:
- Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Forward scam text messages to 60599
- Report fraudulent phone calls via the HMRC website on GOV.UK
Reporting helps HMRC shut scams down more quickly and protects others too.
A quick word of caution during self-assessment season
Scammers know that January deadlines create pressure and distraction. That’s exactly when people are more likely to click first and think later.
If you’re unsure whether something is genuine — especially where tax refunds or demands are concerned — pause and check before taking any action.
And if you want a second pair of eyes on something that claims to be from HMRC, I’m always happy to help sanity-check it.
