Scams warning as Self Assessment customers targeted
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-20)

HMRC encourages customers to recognise a scam and protect themselves from fraud

- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is calling on Self Assessment customers to remain vigilant as scam attempts continue.
- Customers urged to be alert to bogus tax refund scams and phishing attempts.
- Report any suspicious emails, texts or calls to help stop fraudsters in their tracks.
Millions of Self Assessment customers are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to remain vigilant to scams that claim to be from the department.

Scammers often impersonate HMRC, offering fake refunds or demanding urgent payments to steal personal and banking information. They may say it’s safe to share personal details. It’s not. Passwords, usernames, and access codes are private and customers should never share them, even with someone they trust or who helps them with their tax.

Filing early can also help customers 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.

Concerned customers reported more than 170,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the 12 months to 31 July 2025 — and while that is a 12% reduction compared to the previous year, more than 47,000 of these reports still involved fake tax refund claims.

If someone receives a communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for personal details or offers a tax rebate, they should check the official HMRC scams guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-phishing-and-scams-detailed-information) to verify its authenticity.

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 (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/download-the-hmrc-app).

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. Report any suspicious activity to us before the fraudsters do any more harm. Search ‘HMRC scams advice’ and refer to the scams guidance on GOV.UK to stay informed and protect yourself.

Customers can report phishing attempts to HMRC by:
- forwarding emails to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)
- reporting scam phone calls via GOV.UK
- forwarding suspicious texts to 60599
Further Information

More information about Self Assessment (https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns)

HMRC encourages customers to file early to avoid last-minute stress. A range of online help (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-online-for-self-assessment) and YouTube videos (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EcnheDt1zjwEnYsIxUtebFmcOrDF1gj) are available to support with your return, including first time filers.

Scams advice from HMRC:

Protect
- Criminals are cunning – protect your information
- Think before parting with money or personal details
- Use strong, unique passwords
Recognise
- Suspicious or unexpected messages? Don’t respond or click links
- Verify contact via GOV.UK
- Don’t trust caller ID – numbers can be auto-generated to look authentic
Report
- Forward suspicious texts to 60599, emails to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)
- Report scam calls via GOV.UK
- Contact your bank if money is stolen and report to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland via 101)
Last year the Government launched its national campaign ‘Stop! Think Fraud!’. Backed by law enforcement, tech, banking, telecoms and third-party organisations, the campaign offers practical advice at Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams (https://www.gov.uk/stopthinkfraud).