The number and type of scams involving bogus HMRC communications always increases this time of year, as the self-assessment payment deadline approaches.
Statistics show that in 2018/19 HMRC received approximately 900,000 reports about possible scams related to tax.
What are the key warning signs you should look out for?
Phone calls
While HMRC may contact people by phone about their tax, usually when there’s overdue tax to pay, you will usually know that you owe money and at least approximately how much. You will have received a series of demands and statements from HMRC before it resorts to phone calls.
A call out of the blue from HMRC saying that you owe money is almost bound to be fake. If you receive such a call, don’t have any discussion with or provide any information to the caller. Hang up immediately and do not call back on any number provided by the caller – this could well trigger phone charges. If you’re concerned that you owe tax and you don’t have an accountant, use the contact details provided on GOV.UK web pages to get in touch with HMRC.
Text messages
HMRC will never contact you by text asking for personal or financial information. Do not respond to such a text or open any links it contains.
Correspondence
Fake letters, emails etc. can look convincing, but often don’t. They may even contain a genuine looking HMRC logo and will frequently include links to tax refund/payment web pages.
If you have doubts about any correspondence you receive, check HMRC’s website which contains examples of scams currently doing the rounds. If you think the correspondence is suspicious, it’s up to you whether you report it to HMRC – you have no obligation to do so but it will help others in the long run if you do.
If you need advice on this or any other tax issue, get in touch for a no-obligation, free discussion – see our Contact Us page for how to reach us.
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Information in this publication is intended to provide only a general outline of the subjects covered. It should neither be regarded as comprehensive nor sufficient for making decisions, nor should it be used in place of professional advice. Whyatt Accountancy and the writer accept no responsibility for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone using this material.