SELF-assessment taxpayers are being urged to remain vigilant following an increase in scam reports to HMRC.
Unscrupulous criminals posing as tax officials have been contacting individuals with requests for personal data or offering fraudulent tax rebates.
Recent figures reveal a 16.7% increase in scam referrals to HMRC, with 144,298 reports received between November 2023 and October 2024, compared to 123,596 in the previous 12-month period.
Paul Hornby, Managing Director of JF Hornby & Co, said: “The weeks leading up to the self-assessment deadline can be very stressful for business owners and sole traders as they work to get their affairs in order.
“It’s easy to take your eye off the ball when your focus is elsewhere, so we are very keen to highlight the fact that scammers are operating at heightened levels.
“I’d urge everyone to remain vigilant at all times. If you receive what appears to be communication from HMRC, please check it either directly with HMRC or with the JF Hornby team, who can advise on its legitimacy.”
According to HMRC, around half of all scam reports in the past year were related to fake tax rebate claims.
If communication claiming to be from HMRC requests personal information or offers a tax rebate, individuals are advised to check guidance on GOV.UK to determine whether it is fraudulent.
HMRC has reiterated that it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, nor will it request personal or financial information via text. Only fraudsters and criminals operate in this manner.
Kelly Paterson, Chief Security Officer at HMRC, said: “With millions of people filing their self-assessment returns before January’s deadline, we are warning everyone to be wary of emails promising tax refunds.
“Being vigilant helps you spot potential scams, and reporting anything suspicious helps us combat criminal activity and protect you and others who may have received similar bogus communication.”
If you need assistance with your tax return or are unsure whether you need to file one, contact the JF Hornby team on 01229 588 077. +
