A sharp rise in sophisticated HMRC scams is expected this month, with fraudsters capitalising on post-Christmas financial anxieties, a personal finance expert has warned.
The January Surge in Tax Scams
TikTok user and finance expert Caroline Butler has issued a stark alert, stating that this particular type of fraud "explodes every single January." She explained that criminals deliberately target this period, knowing many people are reviewing their finances and may be aware of potential tax rebates. "People have lost thousands of pounds in the past because of it," Butler emphasised.
The scam typically involves fraudulent text messages that appear highly convincing, often mimicking official HMRC communications. These messages contain links that direct recipients to fake websites designed to harvest personal and financial details.
How the Scam Operates and How to Stay Safe
"They [scammers] are sending text messages," said Butler. "These can look really legit so you have to be incredibly mindful and stay on your guard." She stressed a critical rule: HMRC will never send links in a text message asking for personal information.
Clicking on these links and entering details can have devastating consequences. "Scammers can then get to your money - maybe even clear out your bank account or steal your identity," Butler warned. Her advice is clear: do not reply to the message and do not click on any link.
Genuine contact from HMRC will only come through your official online tax account. To verify any communication, you should contact HMRC directly through the official portals on their website.
Public Vigilance and Official Statistics
The warning comes as HMRC released figures showing the scale of the problem. In the 12 months to 31 July 2025, concerned customers reported more than 170,000 scam referrals to the tax authority. While this marked a 12% reduction from the previous year, over 47,000 of these reports involved fake tax refund offers.
Social media users shared their experiences in response to the warning. One TikTok user commented: "I've had these texts for months... all from a mobile number, which is a giveaway to start with. I report and block." Another noted that genuine HMRC rebates typically arrive via post.
An HMRC spokesperson reiterated the official guidance: "If someone receives a communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for personal details or offers a tax rebate, they should check the official HMRC scams guidance to verify its authenticity." Caroline Butler concluded by urging the public to be "extra vigilant" during this period of heightened risk.
