HMRC warning to self-assessment taxpayers ‘You could be a target for fraudsters!’ | Personal Finance | Finance
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The Department issued the warning after responding to 180,000 referrals of “suspicious contact” from the public in the 12 months to August 2022. Of this figure, almost 81,000 were found to be scams offering fake tax rebates. In these scams, criminals claim to be from HMRC to target individuals by email, text and phone.
The scammers usually offer a range of fake services from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion.
HMRC states if people receive contact like this, then it “should send alarm bells” as the taxman “would never call threatening arrest”.
If people receive a contact from someone claiming to be from HMRC and in a way that “arouses suspicion” then they should check the scams advice on GOV.UK.
People should then report suspicious activity to HMRC.
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Britons can do this by forwarding suspicious texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Any tax scam phone calls can be reported to HMRC using the online form on GOV.UK.
Myrtle Lloyd, director general for customer services, HMRC said: “Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.
“HMRC will never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.
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“Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact with HMRC, which is why Self Assessment customers should be extra vigilant to this activity.
“There is a risk they could be taken in by scam texts, emails or calls either offering a ‘refund’ or demanding unpaid tax, thinking that they are genuine HMRC communications referring to their Self Assessment return.”
HMRC stated its warning was particularly aimed at new self assessment taxpayers as they could be tricked into licking links in the emails and texts they are sent if they are not sure of the self assessment process.
The deadline for filing paper tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year is fast approaching on October 31, 2022, and January 31, 2023 for those filing a tax return online.
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In order to protect the public from these scams, HMRC formally disputes and “takes ownership” of HMRC-branded internet domains or website names.
Since 2017, the department has recovered more than 183 websites hosting low-value services such as call-connection sites.
HMRC advises people to be vigilant, and if they receive a suspicious contact, the Department recommends people “stop” and take a moment to think before parting with any money or information.
It said: “If a phone call, text or email is unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links before checking on GOV.UK that the contact is genuine.”
It also warned Britons to “not trust” caller ID on phones as criminals have the ability to “spoof” legitimate numbers.
The Department also reiterates to Britons it “is okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests – only criminals will try to rush or panic you”.
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