Article taken from Tax Tips and Advice, Year 20 Issue 6, 12 December 2019, published by Indicator – FL Memo
The number of scams involving bogus HMRC communications is increasing as the Self-Assessment payment deadline approaches. What are the warning signs you should be looking for?
Record number of scams
The number and type of tax scam is rising. According to HMRC statistics, in 2018/19 it received around 900,000 reports about possible scams involving tax. This is a staggering figure given that most people don’t bother to tell HMRC about them.
Dodgy phone calls
While HMRC does contact people by phone about their tax, usually when there’s overdue tax to pay, you’ll usually be aware that you owe money and, at least broadly, how much. You will have received a string of demands and statements from HMRC before it resorts to phone calls. So, a call out of the blue suggesting you owe money is almost bound to be fake.
Tip
Don’t engage in any discussion or provide any information. Hang up immediately and do not return the call on any number you’re given as this can trigger charges. If you’re concerned that you owe tax, use the contact details provided on GOV.UK web pages to get in touch with HMRC.
Texts
HMRC will never ask you for personal or financial information by text. Don’t respond to a text message or open any links it contains.
Correspondence
E-mails and letters can – but often don’t – appear convincing and include a genuine looking HMRC logo. They will typically include links to tax refund / payment claim web pages.
Tip
If in any doubt, check HMRC’s website which contains examples of scams currently doing the rounds. If you decide the document is suspicious, it’s up to you whether to report the details to HMRC. There’s no obligation but it might help others in the long run.
For links to HMRCs information and advice about possible scams, visit:
Avoid and Report Internet Scams
SBN Tax & Accounts Services Ltd 