HMRC warns self-assessment taxpayers over scams
More than 170,000 HMRC scams were reported in the past year, with nearly 50,000 targeting self-assessment taxpayers.
While overall scam reports are down 12% on the previous year, HMRC has issued a warning to self-assessment customers ahead of the January 2026 tax return deadline.
According to HMRC, of the 170,000 scams reported in the 12 months up to July, over 47,000 involved fake tax refund claims. These scams typically arrive via email or text message, telling recipients they are owed a rebate and directing them to a fake website to steal personal information.
HMRC data shows more than a third of phishing reports last year were linked to bogus tax rebate offers.
The tax authority is urging people to file their returns early and to use the official HMRC app to check their tax position securely. The app allows customers to view any refunds due without clicking on links in suspicious messages.
HMRC said filing early helps reduce the risk of being caught out by phishing attempts in the lead-up to the 31 January 2026 deadline.
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