HMRC consistently emphasizes the ongoing issue of fraudulent phishing emails (regarding fake tax rebate offers), suspicious phone calls, and texts. Entities worldwide, including HMRC and other agencies, actively combat this problem.
These fake tax rebate messages aim to illicitly acquire personal and/or financial information from taxpayers, such as passwords, credit card details, or bank account information. Phishing emails and texts often contain a link to a deceptive website, enticing recipients to input their personal details.
For instance, individuals who successfully submitted their tax return for the 2022-23 tax year by the January 31, 2024, deadline might encounter an email, phone call, or text message offering a tax rebate.
It is strongly advised for recipients of suspicious messages to avoid clicking on any links. HMRC encourages individuals to report phishing emails and fraudulent text messages. You can forward these emails to HMRC via email at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or as a text message to 60599.
In the past year until January, HMRC handled 207,800 referrals from the public, reflecting a 14% increase from the 181,873 reported in the previous 12 months. Of these referrals, over 79,000 were related to false tax rebates.
HMRC emphasizes no use of email, text, or calls to initiate contact regarding refunds. They do not request customers to claim one. Taxpayers receive repayments directly into their designated bank accounts, with transaction details visible in their online HMRC account and the HMRC app.
