Self assessment customers could be target for fraudsters, HMRC warns

HMRC is urging self assessment customers to be alert to fraudsters and scams that ask for their personal information or bank details.

In the 12 months to August 2022, HMRC responded to more than 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact from the public, of which almost 81,000 were scams offering fake tax rebates.

Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text and phone with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.”

“HMRC will never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.”

HMRC said its dedicated customer protection team works continuously to identify and close down scams.