Increase of Scam Communications to Self-assessment Taxpayers
Self-assessment taxpayers have been advised to be on the watch for scam texts, emails and phone calls, which may appear to be from HMRC, but have actually been sent by fraudsters.
130,000 tax scams have been reported in the past year, 58,000 of these claimed taxpayers would receive rebates.
It has been estimated that 12 million people will complete a self-assessment tax return for the 2022/23 tax year. Fraudsters are likely to be actively targeting taxpayers with the deadline of the 31 January 2024 fast approaching.
The scams vary in their format ranging from texts offering fake HMRC tax rebates to requests for tax details to be updated to prevent immediate arrest for avoiding tax.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
“HMRC is reminding taxpayers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run-up to the self-assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.
‘Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.”
Danielle Harvey from HTB Accountants advises:
“HTB Accountants can take care of your self-assessment tax return for you to protect you from scams, ensure that it is submitted with the required information and reduce the time you are spending on admin.”
Get in touch with us today to let us take care of your self-assessment tax return and have full peace of mind around opportunist scams and fraudsters.
