Protect Yourself from Tax Scams
Tax scams are on the rise, with scammers pretending to be HMRC or Companies House to steal personal or financial information. Knowing how to spot fraud and take precautions can protect both you and your business.
Spot Tax Scams
Common red flags include:
- Unexpected tax refunds or threats – Emails, calls, or messages claiming you owe money or are entitled to a refund
- Suspicious email addresses – Genuine HMRC emails end with @gov.uk
- Spelling mistakes or poor grammar – Often a sign of phishing
- QR codes – Only use those that link to official gov.uk websites
- Texts, WhatsApp, or social media messages – HMRC does not use these to request personal information
Telephone scams: Calls threatening lawsuits or demanding payments are fake. Hang up and call a verified number if in doubt.
Companies House scams: Be wary of emails, letters, or calls asking for payments, QR code scans, or document downloads. Verify all communications via the official Companies House line: 0303 1234 500.
Tips to Protect You and Your Business
- Don’t click links – Hover over URLs to check authenticity.
- Don’t open attachments from unknown sources.
- Don’t respond directly – Always use official contact numbers.
- Don’t share card details – Scammers may take money from your account.
- Don’t give in to pressure – Take time to verify before acting.
- Expecting correspondence? – Only respond if you were anticipating contact.
- Consult your accountant – Trusted accountants can verify suspicious communications.
- Submit tax returns early – Reduces pressure and gives time to check legitimacy.
- Check government examples of scams – Compare with published lists online.
- Be suspicious and report – Report phishing or scams via phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, text 60599, Action Fraud 0300 123 2040, or Police Scotland 101.
Stay Vigilant
Scammers are constantly evolving. Watch for unusual emails, calls, or texts—even repeated contacts claiming to help with a previous scam. Keep yourself and employees informed about fraud and cyber security. Resources like the Stop! Think Fraud campaign and the National Cyber Security Centre toolkit provide practical guidance to protect your business.
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