HMRC filing scam warnings

HMRC is encouraging customers to be prepared and have all the information they need ready to file their Self-Assessment tax returns early, so they can avoid any last-minute stress and know what they owe sooner. HMRC has a range of online help and support and YouTube videos to assist anyone completing their return, including first-time filers.

Scams advice from HMRC. Remember to:

Protect

• criminals are cunning – protect your information
• take a moment to think before parting with your money or information
• use strong and different passwords on all your accounts so criminals are less able to target you

Recognise

• if a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links
• check on GOV.UK that the contact is genuinely from HMRC
• do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed

Report

• if you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or an email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report a tax scam phone call on GOV.UK
• contact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen and report it to Action Fraud. In Scotland, contact police on 101
• by reporting phishing emails, you help stop criminal activity and prevent other people falling victim

The government launched its national campaign ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ earlier this year. Backed by organisations across law enforcement, tech, banking, telecoms and the third sector, a new website was created with advice on how to stay safe online. It can be found at www.gov.uk/stopthinkfraud