Pearson May Financial Update: Scams warning as tax return deadline looms

January 13, 2025
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HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has urged taxpayers to be alert to scams as the Self-Assessment season picks up. As many people are filing their tax returns around this time of year, fraudsters can try to take advantage of this by attempting to contact taxpayers asking them to disclose personal information about their tax affairs or bank details etc. writes Pearson May partner Jacqui Bowden.

Over the past year, nearly 150,000 scam attempts were reported – a 16.7% increase compared to the previous year.  Don’t be one of the statistics! Read on for some tips to help you recognise genuine HMRC correspondence and when to steer clear. 

What should I look out for?

Fraudsters often pose as HMRC, using fake tax refund offers or demanding unpaid tax to steal personal and financial details. Alarmingly, around half of all reports involved fraudulent rebate claims.

The emails or text messages etc. often ask taxpayers to then click on a link in the message or to provide their bank details so that the repayment can be made. HMRC has stressed that it never contacts taxpayers via text, email, messages in an app (e.g. WhatsApp) or phone to offer refunds or request personal or payment details. It will also never leave threatening voicemails about legal action or arrest.

Generally speaking, HMRC will always contact you by letter sent in the post with any urgent matters that require your attention – so the chances are that if you receive a phone call or email/text message claiming to be from HMRC and asking for personal information, it is likely to be a scam.

Furthermore, tax refunds can only be claimed securely through an official online account or the free HMRC app, or, of course, via your accountant/tax adviser, as we are authorised agents for our clients, meaning we can contact HMRC on the taxpayer’s behalf.

What can I do to protect myself?

Always take a moment to stop and think. Don’t be rushed and listen to your instincts. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to check whenever you are contacted by someone purporting to be from HMRC can help to protect you from fraud.

Suspicious messages or unexpected contacts should be ignored – do not reply, share information, download attachments or click on links, as these can lead to data theft or malware attacks.

If you don’t already, start making use of ‘two-factor authentication’ (2FA) to login to your important online accounts, such as your HMRC personal tax account, emails, banking etc. 

When you turn on 2FA (sometimes also referred to as multi-factor authentication – MFA, or 2-step verification – 2SV), you will be asked to provide a ‘second step’, which is something that you (and only you) can access. 

This could be a code that’s sent to you by text message or created by an app.
You don’t necessarily need a mobile to turn on 2FA. Some providers will let you use a landline number or a separate device, such as a card reader or USB stick. You may also be able to use your fingerprint, facial recognition or memorable information.

The government recommend the extra protection of 2FA for your email and social media accounts, as well as any accounts that contain lots of personal or sensitive information. Often, services which contain financial information, such as online banking and your HMRC personal tax account have 2FA enabled by default but do double check if you are unsure.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious communication?

If you receive a suspicious communication purporting to be from HMRC, its advice is to report scams in the following way:

  • Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
  • Report fraudulent calls via the HMRC website at gov.uk
  • Forward scam texts to 60599
  • Take a screenshot of any suspicious messages in apps (such as WhatsApp) and email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
  • If you receive a suspicious letter, contact the HMRC team that the letter states it’s from, for example the Self-Assessment team.

You can also contact HMRC on its general enquiries phone number 0300 200 3300 and there is further information available online at www.gov.uk/money/phishing-scams

HMRC include on its website further examples of recent scams and bogus contact claiming to be from HMRC and how to identify potential phishing emails etc. Unfortunately, fraudsters are always thinking of new methods by which to trick people in to disclosing personal and sensitive information which could result in a financial loss to the individual.

If you are uncertain of the validity of any contact you receive claiming to be from HMRC, you should check with your accountant/tax agent or HMRC by contacting them directly (using the contact details above). Do not reply to any emails or call any numbers that are provided in the suspicious communication.

If you have been the victim of a scam such as those mentioned above and have suffered a financial loss then HMRC suggests that you report it to Action Fraud via its website at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice. 

 

 

 

 

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