As the HMRC deadline approaches for Self-Assessment tax returns, Bromley Trading Standards is reminding residents to be vigilant against scam emails, texts and phone calls.
The Self-Assessment tax return deadline is 31 January 2024 and criminals will exploit this deadline in attempts to steal money and personal details.
HMRC advises that you will never get an email, text message, message in an application (e.g. WhatsApp), or a phone call from HMRC which tells you about a tax rebate or penalty or asks for your personal details or payment information. HMRC will also never leave a voicemail threatening legal action or arrest. If you receive any communication through WhatsApp claiming to be from HMRC, it's a scam.
HMRC received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the 12 months between September 2022 and 2023, of which 58,000 were offering fake tax rebates! Therefore, if you receive information from HMRC or about your tax situation, our advice is to be cautious.
Protect yourself:
Visit the GOV.UK website for advice on how to identify tax scam phone calls, emails and text messages. You can also view examples of HMRC related phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts on the GOV.UK website.
Report and assistance
Contact your bank if you have given your financial details – Call 159 | Stop Scams UK
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website
If you have given your details or lost money, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on the Action Fraud website
You can also visit the Bromley Council website for more information
Specifically, for HMRC scams:
Avoid and report internet scams and phishing through the GOV.UK website
- Forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 (network charges apply)
- Forward emails, including screenshots of any WhatsApp messages, to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on the GOV.UK website
- Contact security.custcon@hmrc.gov.uk if you have given personal details in reply to a suspicious text or email
Bromley Trading Standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.