HMRC reminds taxpayers to be aware of Self Assessment scams
Posted 27th November 2019
HM Revenue and Customs is warning millions of Self Assessment customers to be aware of fraudsters in the run up to the 31 January deadline. Please click here to read the press release.
Some of the most common techniques fraudsters use include phoning taxpayers offering a fake tax refund, or pretending to be HMRC by texting or emailing a link which will take customers to a false page, where their bank details and money will be stolen. Fraudsters are also known to threaten victims with arrest or imprisonment if a bogus tax bill is not paid immediately.
Details of suspicious calls and emails should be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Taxpayers should also be on the lookout for copycat websites, some of which may even charge a filing fee, and should search on www.gov.uk/hmrc for the correct link to file their self assessment return.
Further security advice, details of genuine HMRC contact and examples of bogus contact can be found on GOV.UK.