HMRC Self Assessment scams surge ahead of January deadline
HM Revenue and Customs has issued a warning after more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams were reported to the department since February 2025.
HMRC said scammers are using persuasive and threatening tactics to target people at a time when they are more likely to be expecting genuine correspondence about their tax affairs.
The scams often involve fake tax demands or attempts to pressure individuals into sharing personal or financial information.
In the last 10 months, HMRC has received more than 135,500 reports of suspected scams linked to the department.
This includes around 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.
The warning comes as the Self Assessment deadline approaches.
The deadline to file a return and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026.
Customers can file returns online via GOV.UK.
HMRC is reminding customers to check whether emails, text messages or phone calls claiming to be from the department are genuine by using advice published on GOV.UK.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
HMRC said it has closed down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the past 10 months.
The department said it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, ask for personal or financial information by text message or email, or contact customers to tell them about a refund or ask them to claim one.
Anyone who receives suspicious communication claiming to be from HMRC can forward emails to [email protected]
, forward text messages to 60599, or report phone calls via GOV.UK.
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