Self-Employed Warned: Self-Assessment Scam Tactics
Summary (lede)
UK contractors are increasingly targeted by self-assessment scams, especially during tax return season. Fraudsters impersonate HMRC, seeking to obtain personal and banking information by promising fake refunds or demanding urgent payments. Vigilance and accurate information are critical to protect yourself from financial and identity theft.
How Self-Assessment Scams Target Contractors
Scams aimed at the self-employed and landlords surge during self-assessment periods. The tactics are varied, but the central aim is always to obtain sensitive information or illicit payments from victims.
Key warning signs include:
Communications (phone, email, text) that claim you owe tax or are due a refund
Requests for passwords, usernames, access codes, or bank details
Threats of legal action or arrest for non-payment
Instructions to click on suspicious links to claim a refund or settle debts
Fact: HMRC will never ask for personal login details or threaten legal action via email, phone, or text.
Recognising Fraudulent HMRC Communications
Contractors should be aware of the hallmarks of legitimate HMRC contact versus scam attempts:
| Scam Tactic | Genuine HMRC Practice |
|---|---|
| Requests for login details | HMRC never requests passwords or codes |
| Threats/urgent payment | HMRC does not threaten arrest |
| Refund via link/email | Refunds are claimed via HMRC account |
| Contact by email/text | Official contact is via secure channels |
If you receive a communication claiming to be from HMRC:
Never share passwords, access codes, or online account details
Never click links in unsolicited messages
Do not respond to threats or urgent payment demands
Log in to your HMRC online account or app to check for official messages
What To Do If Contacted By a Scammer
If you suspect you have been targeted by a self-assessment scam, follow these steps:
Pause and verify: Do not act immediately. Cross-check details using HMRC’s official scam guidance.
Report suspicious contact: Use GOV.UK’s reporting channels to notify HMRC of suspicious emails, texts, or calls.
Do not engage: Avoid replying or providing any information.
Monitor your accounts: If you have shared sensitive information, contact your bank and monitor for suspicious activity.
The Scale of the Threat
Although HMRC reported a 12% decrease in scam referrals compared to the previous year, over 170,000 suspicious contacts were still referred in the 12 months to 31 July 2025. This persistent threat underscores the need for ongoing vigilance within the contractor community.
“HMRC will never ask for personal or banking details by email, text or phone. If in doubt, check official guidance and report suspicious messages immediately.”
— Official HMRC guidance
Next Steps for Contractors
Always use your secure HMRC online account or app for tax affairs
Educate your peers and clients about scam tactics
Subscribe to HMRC security updates
Bookmark the official HMRC scam reporting page for quick access
Further Resources
Quotes & Sources
“While figures show a 12% reduction in reported scams compared to the previous year, there were still more than 170,000 scam referrals passed onto HMRC in the 12 months to 31 July 2025.”
Conclusion
The threat of self-assessment scams remains significant for UK contractors and the self-employed. By understanding the techniques used by fraudsters and following HMRC’s security advice, contractors can protect their finances and personal information. Always verify before acting, report suspicious contact, and rely on official channels for your tax affairs.
