How to stay safe after scammers target 170,000 taxpayers is the subject of an HMRC warning

Scammers are employing more advanced techniques to fool victims into divulging personal information or purchasing fictitious self-assessment tax returns

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning millions of self-assessment taxpayers to be wary of scams that pose as the department and require forced payment or private information in exchange for tax refunds.

Over 170,000 scam referrals were reported to HMRC by concerned taxpayers in the 12 months ending July 31, 2025. Even though that represents a 12% decrease from the prior year, over 47,000 of these reports still referenced fictitious tax refund claims made against individuals who filed self-assessment tax returns.

In order to steal banking and personal information, scammers frequently pose as HMRC and offer fictitious refunds or demand immediate payments.

Often, scammers try to persuade people that sharing personal information with them is safe. However, you should never share extremely private information, including usernames, passwords, and access codes, even with people you trust or who assist you with your taxes.

HMRC advises individuals to file self-assessment tax returns as soon as possible in order to help them avoid becoming victims of fraud. Since those who have already filed their taxes are less likely to be caught off guard by scam attempts as the self-assessment 31 January 2026 deadline for payments on account approaches, this can make it easier for taxpayers to identify scams.

AJ Bell's director of personal finance, Laura Suter, stated: "Scammers target both those who file well in advance and those who are close to the January 31 deadline.

"A phishing attempt to obtain personal information, such as bank account details, from individuals who may not be accustomed to the self-assessment system and HMRC's communication with taxpayers is most effective during this time.

Indications of HMRC fraud.

Artificial intelligence scams are one of the many sophisticated tactics used by scammers. At times when they know people are busy and distracted, such as during the commute or school run, they can use high pressure tactics on phone calls and create convincing copies of HMRC's texts and emails to scare people into complying with their demands.

"Scammers target individuals when they know self-assessment customers will be getting ready to file their tax returns," stated Kelly Paterson, chief security officer at HMRC.

We're warning everyone to be on the lookout for fraudulent emails and texts that purport to be tax refunds. The difference can be enormous if you take a moment to stop and look.

There are a few obvious indicators that a communication is not from the tax office. HMRC will never do that.

Threatening legal action or arrest, leaving voicemails, requesting personal or financial information via email or text message, and contacting customers by phone, text, or email to let them know about a refund or to request one. Anyone who is eligible for a refund can safely claim it through their HMRC online account or the free HMRC app.

Before the scammers cause more damage, report any suspicious activity to HMRC if you believe you have been the target of one.

By sending emails to phishing@hmrc . gov . uk and reporting scam phone calls through GOV, you can alert HMRC to phishing scams that attempt to steal money and/or personal information. sending dubious texts to 60599 from the UK.

HM Revenue and Customs: Learn More.