Self Assessment Scam Warning: How to Spot and Avoid Fake HMRC Messages

Self Assessment taxpayers are often targeted by scam messages that appear to come from HMRC. These messages usually arrive by email, text message, or phone call and are designed to look convincing, even to those who regularly deal with a tax consultant in London or manage their tax affairs carefully.

Understanding how these scams work can help you recognise suspicious contact and avoid responding to messages that are not genuine.

HMRC Scam Alerts Ahead of the Self-Assessment Deadline

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails in advance of the deadline for the submission of Self-Assessment returns for the 2022-23 tax year. In the 12 months to September 2023, HMRC received more than 130,000 reports of suspicious contact of which almost 58,000 related to bogus tax rebate referrals.

A number of these scams purport to tell taxpayers they are due a rebate / refund of tax from HMRC and ask for bank or credit card details in order to send the fake tax refund. The fraudsters use various means to try and scam people including making contact by phone calls, texts or emails. Fraudsters have been known to threaten victims with arrest or imprisonment if a bogus tax bill is not paid immediately.

HMRC operates a dedicated Customer Protection team to identify and close down these scams but continues to advise taxpayers to identify fraud and avoid becoming victims themselves. For example, HMRC only make contact with taxpayers due a refund by post and never use emails, text messages or external companies for this activity. Genuine organisations like HMRC and banks will never contact customers asking for their PIN, password or bank details.

If you think you have received a suspicious email claiming to be from HMRC you are asked to forward the details to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, Suspicious texts to 60599 and calls can be reported on GOV.UK. If you have suffered an actual financial loss, you should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool.

Common Types of Self Assessment Scams

Scams linked to Self Assessment typically claim that:

• A tax refund is due and urgent action is required
• A payment has been missed and immediate settlement is needed
• Your tax account has been compromised or suspended
• You must confirm personal or financial details

These messages often use official-looking language and may include HMRC branding, reference numbers, or links to fake websites.

How Scam Messages Usually Appear

Most Self Assessment scams arrive as:

• Emails asking you to click a link or download an attachment
• Text messages requesting urgent payment or information
• Phone calls claiming to be from HMRC or a collection agent

HMRC does not use these methods to demand personal information or immediate payment, a point often emphasised by any experienced tax specialist in London.

How to Check Whether a Message Is Genuine

If you receive a message claiming to be from HMRC, it is important to pause before taking any action. Genuine HMRC contact will not pressure you to act immediately or ask for sensitive details by text or email.

Where possible, check your official HMRC online account separately rather than using any links provided in the message.

Why Staying Alert Matters

Scam messages are often timed around Self Assessment deadlines, when taxpayers are more likely to expect contact from HMRC.

Remaining cautious and verifying any unexpected message can help avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.

HMRC Guidance on Tax Scams

HMRC provides guidance on recognising and reporting tax-related scams on
GOV.UK.

Have You Received a Suspicious Self Assessment Message?

If you’re unsure whether a message claiming to be from HMRC is genuine, reporting it can help protect both you and others from similar scams. For individuals and businesses in Fulham Broadway and nearby areas such as Munster Village and Fulham Reach, CIGMA Accounting can help you sense-check suspicious messages and explain the appropriate steps to take before responding.