Free cash – fresh scam warning as self-assessment deadline draws near
As the deadline for submitting self-assessment tax returns approaches, Telford & Wrekin residents are being urged to be on alert for fraudsters attempting to exploit the upcoming deadline with scam offers of tax refunds or demands for payment.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to customers as nearly 150,000 scam referrals were reported last year, with a sharp rise in scam activity expected in the coming months.
With millions of people across the UK required to submit their self-assessment tax returns and settle any tax owed by 31 January 2025, fraudsters are increasingly targeting individuals with fake offers of tax rebates or threatening legal action to collect personal and banking details. In the last 12 months alone, 71,832 scam reports were linked to fraudulent tax rebate claims.
This represents a significant rise in scams, with a 16.7 per cent increase in all scam referrals to HMRC, from 123,596 cases in the previous year to 144,298 between November 2023 and October 2024.
As the deadline nears, the number of scams is expected to grow, putting residents at increased risk.
Telford & Wrekin Council is advising all self-assessment customers to be vigilant and remain cautious of any unsolicited communication claiming to be from HMRC, particularly those offering tax refunds or requesting personal information. HMRC will never contact customers via email, text message, or phone call to announce a refund or ask for personal or financial details.
Councillor Richard Overton, (Lab) Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing & Enforcement said: “When we are under pressure to hit a deadline, we are more likely to make mistakes so as the date for self-assessment approaches, stay alert to emails or messages promising tax refunds. Take the time to check if a communication is legitimate.
“If you receive anything suspicious, report it immediately so we can help prevent others from falling victim to these scams."
HMRC has also reminded the public that they will never:
- Leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest.
- Ask for personal or financial information via text messages or phone calls.
Anyone expecting a tax refund can securely claim it through their online HMRC account or the free HMRC app.
Residents are advised to check the government’s official advice on spotting scams at GOV.UK and take extra care when responding to any unsolicited communication. To report suspected scams or phishing attempts, residents can:
- Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Report scam phone calls via the HMRC website (GOV.UK)
- Forward fake HMRC text messages to 60599
For more information, please visit GOV.UK or contact.