HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025.
Scammers use persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.
HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant as the Self Assessment deadline nears and check whether the email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.
The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Customers can file online on GOV.UK.
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
For further information please select the following link: 4,800 Self Assessment scams reported - GOV.UK.