The scams may inform taxpayers that they are due a fake tax rebate or refund from HMRC and ask for bank or credit card details in order to receive the fake tax refund. These fraudsters use various methods to attempt to swindle taxpayers including contacting them by phone, texts or emails. Fraudsters have been known to threaten their victims with imminent arrest or imprisonment if a fake tax bill is not paid immediately.

HMRC’s has a Customer Protection team who are dedicated to identifying and closing down these scams, but they are advising customers to try and enable them to recognise the signs of a scam and avoid becoming the next victim. For example, organisations like HMRC and banks will never contact a customer to ask for their PIN, password or bank details.

If you believe you have received a suspicious call, text or email which claims to be from HMRC, you are asked to forward the details to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. In addition, if you have been a victim of one of these scams and suffered financial loss as a result you can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or alternatively use their online fraud reporting tool.