Tax calculations often lead to notifications from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regarding possible errors. These communications can either indicate that an individual has overpaid and is owed a refund or that they owe additional money. In either scenario, recipients typically face a pressing deadline to respond, with potential legal consequences or penalties for inaction.
Malicious actors are exploiting concerns over tax payments to commit fraud. Common tactics include automated calls or messages via text and email, urging individuals to click on links to either make payments or claim refunds.
Between July 2022 and July 2023, HMRC reported over 170,000 incidents of scams, with more than 47,000 cases specifically involving fraudulent refund requests. While these scams can occur throughout the year, they frequently peak during self-assessment tax return deadlines.
HMRC clarifies that it will not contact individuals requesting a refund in this manner. Moreover, the agency does not leave voicemail messages threatening legal repercussions or arrest.
Scammers often craft convincing messages that include HMRC branding and details. These messages instill a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to act quickly. The links provided may lead to websites that appear legitimate; however, these sites usually do not have a genuine gov.uk domain.
Caller ID can also be manipulated, making it seem as though the call is originating from HMRC.
If individuals believe they may legitimately be due a refund or suspect underpayment, they can verify this through their tax account. HMRC provides a list of legitimate communication methods, which can be checked to differentiate genuine messages from scams. Reports of scam communications can be submitted to HMRC by forwarding phishing emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and reporting texts to 60599. It is advisable not to trust caller ID; instead, individuals should hang up and verify information through official channels.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/aug/31/the-good-news-is-youre-owed-a-tax-refund-the-bad-news-its-a-scam