Millions of self assessment taxpayers are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to watch out for scams that claim to be from the department, promising tax refunds in exchange for private information or forced payment.
Worried taxpayers reported more than 170,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the 12 months to 31 July 2025. While that is a 12% reduction compared to the previous year, more than 47,000 of these reports still involved fake tax refund claims targeted at people who file a self assessment tax return.
Scammers often impersonate HMRC, offering fake refunds or demanding urgent payments to steal personal and banking information.
Try 6 free issues of MoneyWeek today
Get unparalleled financial insight, analysis and expert opinion you can profit from.
Start your trial
Sign up for MoneyWeek’s free twice-daily newsletter.
Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
The fraudsters often try to convince people it is safe to share personal details with them – but extremely private information such as passwords, usernames, and access codes should never be shared, even with someone you trust or who helps you with your tax.
Latest Videos FromMoneyWeek
To help people avoid falling foul of fraud, HMRC recommends filing self-assessment tax returns early. This can help taxpayers spot scams more easily as those who have already submitted their tax return are less likely to be caught off guard by scam attempts closer to the self-assessment 31 January 2026 deadline for payments on account.
Laura Suter, director of personal finance at AJ Bell, said: “Scammers prey on people up against the 31 January deadline as well as those who file well ahead of time.
“This period is also the ideal time for a phishing mission to try and intercept personal data including bank details from people who might not be used to the self-assessment system and how HMRC communicates with taxpayers.”
Signs of HMRC scams
Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated, including by using artificial intelligence scams. They can make convincing copies of texts and emails from HMRC, as well as use high pressure tactics on phone calls to frighten people into complying with their demands at times they know people are busy and distracted, like during the commute or school run.
Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s chief security officer, said: “Scammers target individuals when they know self-assessment customers will be preparing to file their tax returns.
“We’re urging everyone to stay alert to scam emails and texts offering fake tax refunds. Taking a moment to pause and check can make all the difference.”
There are some clear signs a communication is not legitimately from the tax office. HMRC will never:
- leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
- ask for personal or financial information via text message or email
- contact customers by email, text, or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one
Anyone due a refund can claim it securely via their HMRC online account or via the free HMRC app.
If you think you have been targeted by a scammer, report any suspicious activity to HMRC before the fraudsters do any more harm.
You can report phishing scams – attempts to illicit personal information and/or money – to HMRC by forwarding emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, reporting scam phone calls via GOV.UK and forwarding suspicious texts to 60599.
