If you’re self-employed, a landlord or have other untaxed income, you’ll know the date: 31 January, the deadline to file your Self Assessment tax return online and pay what you owe. Scammers know it too. Every January they flood inboxes and phones with fake messages pretending to be from HMRC.
How big is the problem?
HMRC says it received more than 135,500 scam reports in ten months, including around 29,000 fake tax refund claims and thousands of scams specifically about Self Assessment. In the same period it took down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers.
The most common HMRC scams
1. The fake tax refund
“You are eligible for a tax refund of £276.84. Claim now.” The link leads to a convincing copy of the GOV.UK website that asks for your bank or card details.
2. The fake tax demand
“You have an outstanding tax bill. Pay immediately to avoid legal action.” Designed to cause panic so you pay before you think.
3. The threatening phone call
An automated or live call saying there’s a warrant for your arrest or a lawsuit against you, and telling you to press 1 to speak to an officer.
4. The “verify your account” message
A text or email saying your tax account is locked or needs verifying, with a link to a fake login page that steals your Government Gateway details.
5. Fake social media and WhatsApp messages
HMRC doesn’t contact people about tax refunds or bills through social media or WhatsApp.
What HMRC will never do
HMRC will never:
- Notify you of a tax refund by text or email, or ask you to claim one through a link
- Ask for personal or bank details by text or email
- Leave a voicemail threatening legal action or arrest
- Ask you to pay with gift cards, crypto or a bank transfer to a personal account
- Email you an attachment you weren’t expecting
How to stay safe
- Never click the link. Go to gov.uk by typing it into your browser, then sign in to your tax account.
- Check your real account. Any genuine refund or bill will show in your online tax account or the HMRC app.
- Take your time. Urgency is the scammer’s main weapon.
- Hang up on threats. Then, if you’re worried, call HMRC on the number from gov.uk.
- Protect your login. Use a strong, unique password and 2-step verification on your Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login account.
How to report HMRC scams
- Suspicious emails: forward to ph******@******ov.uk
- Suspicious texts: forward to 60599
- Scam phone calls: report on gov.uk (search “report HMRC phone scam”)
- If you’ve lost money or given out details: contact your bank immediately, then report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
If you’ve entered your details
- Call your bank straight away using the number on your card.
- Change your Government Gateway password and any others that use the same password.
- Report it to HMRC and Action Fraud.
- Watch out for follow-up scams pretending to help you recover your money.
💡 Tip: HMRC’s official app shows your tax position, payments and any refund due. If a message says you’re owed money and the app doesn’t, it’s a scam.
Wrapping up
In January, treat any message about tax with suspicion. HMRC will never text or email you about a refund. Sign in at gov.uk yourself, and forward anything dodgy to 60599 or ph******@******ov.uk.
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Sources: HMRC press release: 4,800 Self Assessment scams reported · Infosecurity Magazine: HMRC warns of over 135,000 scam reports · GOV.UK: Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts and calls
