HMRC issues warning on fake tax refunds as thousands duped by rebate scams

UK householders are being warned to watch out for scams as the self-assessment deadline approaches. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) says people must be on their guard as fraudsters step up their efforts ahead of the January 31 closing date for submitting a tax return.

Nearly 150,000 scams were reported to HMRC in the past year, half of which were fake rebate offers. With millions of people due to complete their self-assessment tax return in the coming weeks, conmen are targeting people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to obtain personal information and banking details.

There has been a 16.7 per cent increase in the number of scams reported to HMRC with 144,298 received between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 in the previous 12-month period. HMRC says that if you receive any communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for personal information or is offering a tax rebate, this is very likely to be an attempted fraud.

HMRC says it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information via text message. Only fraudsters and criminals would do that, it said.

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Kelly Paterson, chief security officer at HMRC, said: "With millions of people filing their self-assessment return before January's deadline, we're warning everyone to be wary of emails promising tax refunds. Being vigilant helps you spot potential scams and reporting anything suspicious helps us stop criminal activity and to protect you and others who could have received similar bogus communication."

HMRC says it will not contact you by email, text, or phone to announce a refund or ask you to request one. Anyone who is due a refund from HMRC can claim it via their online HMRC account or the free and secure HMRC app.

Forward any dodgy emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and report tax scam phone calls to HMRC using the online form. If you've had a suspicious text message, forward it to 60599 so it can be investigated.

The government launched its national campaign Stop! Think Fraud earlier this year. Backed by organisations across law enforcement, tech, banking, telecoms and the third sector, a new website was created with advice on how to stay safe online.

HMRC added: "Criminals are cunning – protect your information. Take a moment to think before parting with your money or information. Use strong and different passwords on all your accounts so criminals are less able to target you.

"If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. Do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed.

"Contact your bank immediately if you've had money stolen and report it to Action Fraud. In Scotland, contact the police on 101. By reporting phishing emails, you help stop criminal activity and prevent other people from falling victim."

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