Beware of Scams! Tax Season Brings Increased Fraud Risks

**Caution is key as the self-assessment tax return deadline approaches for millions of Brits.** With the deadline set for January 31, 2025, fraudsters are ramping up their tactics, alerting authorities to rising scam reports.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the public to stay vigilant. Reports of scams have surged significantly, with approximately half involving fraudulent tax rebate claims. In the past year alone, there was a significant spike of over 20,000 reports, totaling 144,298 incidents from November 2023 to October 2024.

Scammers are known for sending deceitful communications, often impersonating HMRC and promising generous refunds or requesting personal and financial details. Authorities emphasize that HMRC will never leave threatening voicemails or ask for sensitive information through text messages.

Kelly Paterson, the Chief Security Officer for HMRC, has strongly advised the public to remain cautious. She highlighted the importance of vigilance in identifying scams and the necessity of reporting any suspicious activities. Claimants can securely obtain their refunds through the official HMRC online account or the HMRC app.

For those who encounter phishing attempts, HMRC has provided channels to report such fraud. Suspected emails should be forwarded to [email protected], while dubious calls and texts can be reported via their official website and sent to the designated number respectively. Stay informed and protect yourself against scams this tax season!

Deadline Approaches: Protect Yourself from Tax Scams

As the self-assessment tax return deadline on January 31, 2025, looms closer, millions of taxpayers in the UK must be particularly vigilant against an alarming uptick in tax-related scams. With recent reports indicating a surge in fraudulent activity, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging the public to be cautious and informed.

### The Rise in Scam Reports

Recent statistics show that over the past year, there has been an increase of more than 20,000 reported scams, totaling 144,298 incidents from November 2023 to October 2024. Approximately 50% of these reports involve deceitful claims concerning tax rebates, which are intended to lure individuals into revealing personal or financial information.

### Common Scams to Watch Out For

Scammers often impersonate HMRC, making communications that appear credible. These may include:

– **Phishing Emails**: Emails that claim to offer generous tax refunds or that ask for sensitive information.
– **Text Messages and Voicemails**: Fraudulent messages that threaten action or urge immediate response.

It’s crucial to remember that HMRC will never leave threatening voicemails or request personal details through text messages.

### How to Protect Yourself

**Here are some essential steps you can take to safeguard against scams**:

1. **Verify Communications**: Always check the authenticity of messages claiming to be from HMRC. Do not click on any links in suspicious emails.
2. **Use Official Channels**: To verify your tax affairs, log in to your HMRC online account or use the HMRC app for secure communications.
3. **Report Scams**: If you encounter suspicious communications, report them. Emails can be forwarded to [email protected], and you can report dubious calls and texts through the official HMRC website or customer service number.

### Insights and Trends

The increase in cyber fraud highlights a broader trend in the rise of online scams, particularly in financial sectors. As more people engage with online tax platforms, the potential for criminals to exploit vulnerabilities also grows.

– **Innovations in Cybersecurity**: HMRC is continually enhancing its cybersecurity measures to combat this threat, employing technology that flags unusual activities within user accounts.
– **Consumer Awareness**: Education surrounding tax scams is more critical than ever, with HMRC and various agencies pushing for greater awareness among the public.

### Conclusion

As you prepare for the upcoming tax return deadline, it is essential to stay informed about the risks of fraud. By taking proactive measures and being conscious of potential scams, taxpayers can safeguard their sensitive information and avoid falling victim to these schemes. For further information and updates, you can visit the official HMRC website.

This tax season, remember that awareness is your best defense against scams. Stay informed and react promptly to any suspicious activity.