Self assessment taxpayers must be on the lookout for scam texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters, HMRC was warned.

HMRC has received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the past year, with 58,000 of those offering fake tax rebates.

With around 12 million people expected to submit a self assessment tax return for the 2022/23 tax year before the 31 January 2024 deadline, fraudsters will prey on taxpayers by impersonating HMRC.

The scams take different approaches. Some offer a rebate; others tell taxpayers that they need to update their tax details or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion.

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.’

Internet link: HMRC press release