Urgent scam warning issued as tax return deadline approaches
- HM Revenue and Customs has warned the public about an increase in scams targeting tax returns.
- Recent data shows a significant rise in scam reports related to fake tax refunds and personal information theft.
- Officials encourage citizens to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to help combat these scams.
In the United Kingdom, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent warning about a spike in scams targeting individuals filling out their tax returns. As the January 31, 2025 deadline approaches for millions of taxpayers to file their self-assessment tax returns, HMRC noted that scammers have increasingly been offering bogus tax refunds or demanding payment for personal and banking information. This warning comes in light of a reported increase of 16.7% in scam referrals to the agency, with the number of reports escalating from 123,596 to 144,298 between November 2023 and October 2024. Half of these scam cases involved fraudulent claims for tax rebates, indicating that scammers are taking advantage of the self-assessment period. HMRC's chief security officer, Kelly Paterson, emphasized the need for vigilance during this busy time, urging taxpayers to be wary of unsolicited emails and messages promising refunds. HMRC reiterated that it never threatens legal action through voicemail or solicits sensitive information via text messages. Citizens are reminded to consult gov.uk for guidance if they encounter suspicious communications and to report scams promptly. The advisory serves as a caution to taxpayers as the deadline looms, reminding them that staying informed and cautious can help in avoiding falling victim to such scams.