HMRC scam calls are on the rise and self-assessment customers in particular are warned to be vigilant. HMRC has issued an official warning for self-assessment customers to look out for fraudsters asking for personal information or bank details as part of a tax scam.
As the self-assessment deadline nears and customers start thinking about their annual tax returns for 2021/22 they may be at risk of being targeted by fraudsters, warns HMRC.
How might a fraudster get in touch?
Fraudsters target customers who are likely to be in contact with HMRC, which is why businesses should take extra care with this activity. There is a risk for both individuals and businesses being targeted by HMRC scam calls or an HMRC scam email both in which the fraudster will try to get hold of your personal details.
Anyone new to submitting a self-assessment tax return may not know of these HMRC scam calls and may fall victim to revealing personal or financial information to criminals. In the past, customers have been threatened with arrest for tax evasion, offered bogus tax rebates, offered a refund or demanded payment for unpaid tax.
HMRC will never threaten to arrest you, so if you do receive an email or phone call like this it is highly likely to be a scam.
How to stop hmrc scam calls?
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC and you’re suspicious of this activity it is advised to take your time and check the tax scams advice from HMRC and get in touch with them via a secure link “https” or call them directly.
What to do in the event of a tax scam?
Suspicious activity can be reported to HMRC in various ways. HMRC scam calls can be reported to HMRC using their online form whereas texts can be forwarded to 60599. If you receive an HMRC scam email you can send it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
If you are ever concerned about the security of your online account, contact us.
