Martin Lewis warns UK taxpayers of HMRC scams

As the financial year ends in the UK, Martin Lewis, a well-known money expert, warns taxpayers to be aware of a specific scam. This scam involves fraudsters posing as HMRC, the tax authority, to trick people into giving away money. Around this time of year, HMRC often reaches out to people regarding tax refunds. However, scammers use this opportunity to deceive the public. They may contact victims through various methods like email, phone calls, texts, or online messages. These scams can appear very convincing, mimicking official communications from legitimate sources. Lewis himself encountered this type of scam recently. He received an automated call claiming to be from HMRC, warning him about unpaid taxes. Curious, he pressed a number to speak to an agent. When he asked which HMRC office the caller represented, the line quickly disconnected. Common tactics used by scammers include fake emails about tax refunds or threats of arrest for unpaid taxes. Lewis and experts advise checking government guidelines to differentiate between real HMRC messages and scams. If you receive unsolicited communication asking for personal information or money, it’s best to ignore or report it. People should be particularly cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency. Scammers often use threats or promises of rewards to pressure victims into acting quickly. Always verify offers by researching the sender through trusted sources. With the tax year ending on April 5th, many might be focused on filing returns. This is a critical time to stay alert to potential scams. Protecting your hard-earned money should be a priority this spring.