.png)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a reminder to be careful about scam attempts that target people filing Self Assessment tax returns. In the last year, nearly 150,000 scam attempts were referred to HMRC, a 16.7% increase on last year. With the 31 January 2025 filing deadline approaching, fraudsters are likely to step up their activities.
HMRC reports that around half of all scam reports in the last year were fake tax rebate claims. Fraudsters are usually aiming to get hold of personal information and banking details.
If you receive an email, text or phone call from someone claiming to be from HMRC that asks you for personal information or offers you a tax rebate, there is a useful checklist here that can help you identify a scam.
It is helpful to know that HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest. Neither will they ask for personal or financial information over text message.
HMRC also will not contact you by email, text, or phone to announce a refund or ask you to request one.
If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC and feel unsure whether it is a scam, or you would like to check whether you are due a tax refund, call us at any time and we would be happy to help you.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scams-warning-as-self-assessment-deadline-loom
The UK government is facing a fresh financial squeeze after long-term borrowing costs climbed to their highest level in a generation. The yield on 30-year government bonds (known as gilts) has reached 5.72% – the highest since 1998.
After three years of losses, it’s been reported that Royal Mail has returned to profit under its new owner, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.
