More than 47,000 reports of fake tax refund claims have been made to HMRC in the last year.
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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging millions of people to be on their guard against a rising number of scammers impersonating the UK Government attempting to obtain personal and financial information from taxpayers.
Self Assessment customers are top of the target list for callous crooks purporting to be HMRC – in phone calls, letters, text and emails – 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 HMRC warns people should never share them – even with someone they trust or who helps them with their tax.
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However, filing tax returns early can help people spot scams more easily as those who have already submitted their Self Assessment are less likely to be caught off guard by fraudulent attempts closer to the deadline on January 31, 2026.
Concerned customers reported more than 170,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the 12 months to July 31, 2025 – and while that is a 12 per cent 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 on GOV.UK 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.
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.”
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 phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Report scam calls via GOV.UK
- Contact your bank if money is stolen and report to Police Scotland via 101 (or Action Fraud)
