HMRC is encouraging customers to be prepared and have all the information they need ready to file their Self-Assessment tax returns early, so they can avoid any last-minute stress and know what they owe sooner. HMRC has a range of online help and support and YouTube videos to assist anyone completing their return, including first-time filers.
Scams advice from HMRC. Remember to:
Protect
criminals are cunning – protect your informationtake a moment to think before parting with your money or informationuse strong and different passwords on all your accounts so criminals are less able to target you
Recognise
if a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on linkscheck on GOV.UK that the contact is genuinely from HMRCdo not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed
Report
if you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or an email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report a tax scam phone call on GOV.UKcontact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen and report it to Action Fraud. In Scotland, contact police on 101by reporting phishing emails, you help stop criminal activity and prevent other people falling victim
The government launched its national campaign ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ earlier this year. Backed by organisations across law enforcement, tech, banking, telecoms and the third sector, a new website was created with advice on how to stay safe online. It can be found at www.gov.uk/stopthinkfraud
