With the 31 January Self-Assessment tax return deadline fast approaching, the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is urging our members and businesses to remain vigilant against scammers targeting businesses and individuals with fake tax refund offers and fraudulent payment demands.
Scam Reports on the Rise
HMRC has received nearly 150,000 scam referrals in the past year alone, a 16.7% increase from the previous year. Many of these scams involve fraudsters posing as HMRC, using fake tax rebate claims to steal personal and banking details.
As a local business, your safety and security are our priority. Protecting your business from these fraudulent schemes is essential as we enter the busy tax return season.
How to Spot and Avoid Scams
To help you stay safe, remember these key points:
- HMRC will never send emails, texts, or phone calls to announce a tax refund or demand payment with threats of legal action.
- Always verify any unexpected communication by checking HMRC’s official scams advice page.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial details unless you are 100% confident the source is legitimate.
Steps to Protect Yourself
HMRC and the Chamber encourage all members to:
- Be cautious: Use strong passwords and avoid sharing sensitive information via unsecured channels.
- Recognise red flags: Unexpected calls, emails, or texts demanding urgent action or payment are likely fraudulent.
- Report incidents: Forward suspicious emails to ku.vog.crmh@gnihsihp, texts to 60599, or report scam calls via the GOV.UK website.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud.
Chamber Support and Resources
To ensure your business operates securely and confidently during this critical period, we encourage you to prepare your tax return early. Use the secure HMRC online account or their free app to file your return and check for refunds safely.
If you’re unsure about completing your Self-Assessment, HMRC offers online tools and video tutorials to guide you through the process. The Chamber is also here to provide advice or connect you with trusted professionals who can help.
Stay Safe and Secure
For more advice on staying safe online, visit the government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign page, or contact us directly if you need assistance.
Let’s ensure this tax season is stress-free and secure for all our members!
