Scammers are very aware of the tax payment deadlines and will step-up their efforts to divert payments from taxpayers to their own bank accounts.
When you complete your tax return by logging into your personal tax account (see below) you can now choose to scan a QR code to complete a tax payment on your mobile device. This has generated a new type of scam with text messages or emails containing a QR code being sent to taxpayers to direct them to a fake HMRC website.
HMRC will never send a QR code to a taxpayer. If you receive a QR code via email or other electronic message supposedly from HMRC it is a scam.
HMRC will never ask for personal information or payment information by phone; WhatsApp; email; or text message. If you are contacted and asked for such information by someone claiming to be from HMRC the best advice is to end the call and forward any text message to 60599 (local rates).
Any phone call purporting to be from HMRC asking for money urgently or threatening arrest is always a scam.
If you are concerned about contact that you have received from HMRC, please contact us for advice.
Other Tax Briefing – Summer 2022 articles