HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent warning to UK taxpayers following a surge in sophisticated fraud attempts. The tax authority has received a staggering 135,500 reports of scams in the last ten months, with criminals exploiting the approaching Self Assessment deadline to steal personal and financial information.
Scale of the Threat: Thousands of Fake Sites Shut Down
Since February 2025, more than 4,800 scams specifically targeting Self Assessment customers have been reported. In a significant crackdown, HMRC has taken swift action to close nearly 25,000 fraudulent websites and phone numbers used by criminals. A common tactic involves fake tax refund claims, with 29,000 reported instances of this particular scam.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, emphasised the threat: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out. I’m urging people to stay vigilant.”
How the Scams Operate: Persuasion and Threats
Fraudsters are using a combination of persuasive and threatening tactics, often contacting people when they are most likely to expect genuine HMRC correspondence. These communications can arrive via email, SMS, or phone call and typically involve:
- Fake tax demands or overdue payment notices.
- Pressure to hand over personal information like bank details or passwords.
- False promises of tax refunds requiring immediate action.
HMRC will never leave a voicemail threatening legal action or arrest. Furthermore, the tax office confirms it will never request personal or financial details via text message or email. While HMRC may contact customers by email, text, or phone to notify them of a refund, it will never ask for sensitive information through these channels to process it.
Protecting Yourself as the Deadline Approaches
With the Self Assessment deadline for the 2024/25 tax year set for 31 January 2026, HMRC is reminding customers to be extra cautious. The official advice is clear: if any communication appears suspicious, do not click on links or share information.
Instead, verify the contact by checking the official guidance on GOV.UK. Suspicious emails should be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, suspicious SMS messages should be sent to 60599, and fraudulent phone calls can be reported via the HMRC pages on GOV.UK.
Taxpayers can file their returns safely and securely online via the official GOV.UK website. By remaining alert and knowing the signs of a scam, individuals can protect themselves from these pervasive financial threats.
