People warned over bogus tax refund offers

We are reminding people to be wary over bogus tax refund offers as the self-assessment tax return deadline from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) approaches.

HMRC has advised that taxpayers who completed their tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by the 31 January deadline might receive an email, phone call or text message offering a tax rebate.

These phishing scams are designed to use personal details for selling on to criminals, or to access people’s bank accounts.

People can help fight phishing scams by reporting any suspicious communications to HMRC. You can do this by forwarding any suspicious emails to [email protected], report any scam phone calls to HMRC via GOV.UK and forward any bogus text messages to HMRC on 60599.

In order to protect yourself against this type of scam, take time to think before passing on any information or money and don’t download any attachments or click any links. Remember to use strong, different passwords on all of your accounts and be mindful of caller IDs on mobile phones as these can be spoofed.

If you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or an email to [email protected]. Report a tax scam phone call via GOV.UK .

Contact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen, and report it to Action Fraud.