HMRC warns self assessment taxpayers as scam referrals rise

HMRC is warning people to be wary of bogus tax refund offers following the self assessment deadline on 31 January.

HMRC says that fraudsters could set their sights on self-assessment taxpayers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month's deadline.

HMRC warns that taxpayers who completed their tax return for the 2022/23 tax year by the 31 January deadline might be taken in by an email, phone call or text message offering a tax rebate.

These phishing scams are designed to use personal details for selling on to criminals, or to access people's bank accounts, says HMRC.