Millions of self-assessment taxpayers are being urged to stay vigilant after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) revealed it had received more than 170,000 scam referrals in the year to 31 July 20251.
While this is a 12 per cent fall compared with the previous year, over 47,000 of the reports involved fake tax refund scams, where fraudsters impersonated HMRC to try and steal personal or banking details1.
The Latest Scam Tactics
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Many scams involve texts, emails or phone calls claiming to be from HMRC, promising a tax rebate or demanding urgent payment. Some now use artificial intelligence to create convincing copies of official HMRC communications.
High-pressure tactics are also common. Scammers often call during busy times, such as commuting hours or the school run, to frighten people into handing over details.
HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, Kelly Paterson, said:
“Scammers target individuals when they know self-assessment customers will be preparing to file their tax returns. We are urging everyone to stay alert to scam emails and texts offering fake tax refunds. Taking a moment to pause and check can make all the difference.1”
How to Spot a Scam
HMRC has stressed there are clear warning signs. The tax office will never:
- Leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
- Ask for personal or financial information via text message or email
- Contact customers to inform them of a refund or request that they claim one by text or phone
If you are due a refund, you can only claim it securely through your HMRC online account or the official HMRC app1.
Tips to Stay Protected
- File your tax return early to reduce the chance of being caught off guard close to the 31 January 2026 deadline.
- Treat unexpected calls, emails or texts with caution.
- Do not share sensitive details such as passwords, bank codes or access credentials with anyone.
- If in doubt, always log in directly to your HMRC account rather than clicking on links in messages.
How to Report Scams
If you believe you have been targeted:
- Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Forward suspicious texts to 60599
- Report scam phone calls via GOV.UK
By reporting scams quickly, you help HMRC to act and protect others.
Source:
- HM Revenue & Customs (2025). Scams warning as Self Assessment customers targeted. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scams-warning-as-self-assessment-customers-targeted [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
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