HMRC Scam Warning Alert Ahead Of Self Assessment Deadline

With the Self Assessment deadline fast approaching, SMEs are being warned to be on their guard with more that 4,800 Self Assessment scams having been reported to HMRC since February 2025.

HMRC is reminding people to be vigilant and take a moment to think before parting with your money or information.   They are being asked to check whether any email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK

Scammers have been using persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.

Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.

“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

HMRC has closed down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months. Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls mimicking HMRC on GOV.UK.

The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Customers can file online on GOV.UK.

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