Self Assessment Scam Warning
Stay Alert Ahead of the 31 January Deadline
As the Self Assessment deadline approaches, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a serious warning about a rise in tax-related scams targeting individuals and businesses across the UK.
Since February 2025, more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported to HMRC. In the last 10 months alone, HMRC has received over 135,500 reports of suspected scams, including 29,000 fake tax refund claims. These figures highlight just how active and sophisticated scammers have become.
How the scams work
Scammers often contact people by email, text message, or phone call, pretending to be HMRC. Their messages may:
Demand urgent payment of tax
Threaten legal action or arrest
Claim you are due a tax refund and ask you to click a link
Request personal or financial information
These scams are particularly common at this time of year, when many people expect to hear from HMRC about their tax return.
Important reminders from HMRC
HMRC has been clear that it will never:
Leave voicemails threatening arrest or legal action
Ask for personal or financial information by email or text
Contact you by email, text, or phone to tell you about a refund or ask you to claim one
HMRC has also shut down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the past 10 months as part of its efforts to protect taxpayers.
What you should do
Be cautious of unexpected or urgent messages claiming to be from HMRC
Do not click links, download attachments, or share personal information
Check whether a contact is genuine by visiting GOV.UK
Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
Forward suspicious text messages to 60599
If you believe you have lost money, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
Our advice
At Upstreamly Chartered Accountants, we strongly encourage you to take a moment to pause and verify any HMRC communication, especially in the run-up to the 31 January Self Assessment deadline. A small amount of caution can help prevent significant financial and personal harm.
If you need support with your Self Assessment return, please get in touch with our team.
We’re here to help you stay compliant, and safe