Scammers are stepping up their activity, with HMRC warning taxpayers to be alert for bogus tax refund offers and even threats of arrest for unpaid bills.
Between August 2024 and July 2025, HMRC received more than 170,000 scam reports – almost a third involved fake tax refunds, with 47,000 such attempts recorded. Encouragingly, referrals fell by 12% compared to the previous year, suggesting awareness campaigns are starting to make an impact.
The warning comes after a major breach disclosed in June. During a phishing attack last autumn, 100,000 online tax accounts were compromised, costing HMRC an estimated £47 million in lost revenue.
Scammers also exploit broader issues, including confusion over winter fuel payment changes. Fraudulent texts claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are circulating, some linked to tax thresholds, creating further anxiety for households.
A typical email scam in circulation claims “discrepancies” in a taxpayer’s return and urges them to log in “by the end of the week to avoid penalties”. Although it looks convincing, the sender address and odd references to “anti-fraud protocols” are telltale signs of fraud.
HMRC stressed it will never:
- Leave voicemails threatening arrest or legal action.
- Request personal or financial details by text or email.
- Contact taxpayers about refunds via email, text or phone.
Anyone receiving suspicious contact should consult HMRC’s official scams guidance before responding.
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