Retailers who complete their own Self-Assessment forms are being warned abouts scammers as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) prepares to issue emails and SMS reminders of the January 31, 2022 deadline.
Fraudsters have been known to use Self-Assessment to try to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting individuals. In the last year alone, HMRC received nearly 360,000 bogus tax rebate referrals.
While you can expect to receive communications from HMRC regarding the Self-Assessment deadline with guidance and support on the payment of their tax bill, the department is also warning customers to not fall for malicious communications.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Service, said:
“Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.
“HMRC will also never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.
“Scams come in many forms. Some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a tax rebate. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so if you are in any doubt whether the email, phone call or text is genuine, you can check the ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK and find out how to report them to us.”
You can report suspicious phone calls using a form on GOV.UK; you can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Related Articles
