Scams warning as self-assessment deadline looms

HMRC is warning of scam attempts targeting self-assessment taxpayers in the run up to the 31 January deadline. 

Last year, concerned taxpayers reported nearly 150,000 scam referrals to HMRC, of which around half were fake tax rebate claims.

If a communication claiming to be from HMRC asks for personal information or offers a tax rebate, check the advice on GOV.UK to help identify if it is scam activity. 

HMRC says it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest or ask for personal or financial information over text message – only fraudsters and criminals will do that.