More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025, HMRC is warning ahead of the upcoming filing deadline on 31st January 2026.
Beyond Self Assessment-related scams, the UK’s tax authority has received reports from customers of more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams in the last 10 months, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said:
“Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
Scammers typically use persuasive and threatening tactics, and target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. They may send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.
HMRC has taken swift action to close down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months. 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
The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026.
Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to a dedicated HMRC email address, send SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls mimicking HMRC on GOV.UK.
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