HM Revenue and Customs has warned those who have to submit a tax return to be vigilant when doing so, as there has been almost 800,000 tax scams reported in the last 12 months.
Businesses are getting their accounts ready to submit their Self Assessments by January 31st 2022, which means this is the time HMRC issues emails and SMS to remind them of the impending deadline.
However, it is important not to share financial or personal information with any other body, as they could be fraudsters.
Director general for customer services at HMRC Myrtle Lloyd said: “If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.”
She added: “HMRC will also never ring up threatening arrest.”
Though many people think they would be able to suspect criminal activity, Ms Lloyd told the public: “Scams come in many forms.”
This includes being offered a tax rebate by giving your bank details. Of the 797,010 referrals of suspicious contact over the last year, 357,567 were bogus tax rebates.
HMRC also received 21 per cent more reports of phone scams than the previous year, totalling 327,044 for the 12-month period.
Self Assessment customers have been advised to not give out important information, and check the ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK for more help. Here, they will find examples of fraudulent messages, as well as confirmation about what genuine HMRC correspondence would look like.
Get help with your tax returns by calling our bookkeeping services in Bolton today.