As the deadline for self-assessment tax returns approaches, people are being warned to be aware of scams from fraudsters claiming to be HMRC. Criminals are taking advantage of the self-assessment deadline by sending fake emails and texts, along with fake calls offering ‘tax rebates’ and ‘refunds’ as a way of gaining personal information, in particular bank details. These details are used by criminals to access bank accounts, trick people into paying fictitious tax bills or sell the information on to other criminals.
In the last 12 months HMRC have responded to more than 846,000 referrals of suspicious contact from HMRC. Nearly 500,000 of these referrals offered fake tax rebates.
HMRC are urging people not to give out personal information over the phone or via text/email. Any links and attachments received via text or email should not be clicked on.
HMRC has published a checklist to help taxpayers identify whether contact from ‘HMRC’ is genuine. Any suspicious communication can be reported to HMRC by emailing phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
If you have not submitted your self-assessment tax return for the 2019/20 tax year then get in touch with us today via our contact page.
