HMRC issue scam warning
The 31 January self-assessment deadline is fast approaching, and taxpayers are warned by HMRC to be vigilant to fraudsters. To be precise, in the last year there has been a 16.7% increase in scam referrals reported to HMRC and a staggering 150,000 received in the year up to November 2024. A huge chunk of these referrals were in fact fake tax rebate claims and everyone needs to be alert to such scams.
Please note that HMRC say they will never contact asking you for personal or financial information via text message and they will not leave voicemails with a threat to take legal action or arrest. It’s recommended that if you do receive any communication claiming to be HMRC and they are asking for your personal details or even suggesting a tax rebate, always check the advice on GOV.UK to help quickly understand if this is fraudster activity or a scam.
Don’t get caught out, be alert!