Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000 Check if your payment … Continue reading Winter Fuel Payment scams targeting pensioners
Winter Fuel Payment scams targeting pensioners
Category: Fraud
Global taskforce to hunt down overseas scammers
UK drives international action to go after scammers at the Global Fraud Summit, hosted by the United Nations in Vienna … Continue reading Global taskforce to hunt down overseas scammers
UK recognises cryptocurrency as personal property
Owners of Bitcoin and other digital assets will benefit from greater legal protection thanks to an important clarification to the … Continue reading UK recognises cryptocurrency as personal property
Tax fraud warning for employment agencies and employers
HMRC is aware that businesses are being approached by organisations offering models which falsely claim to be able to reduce employment … Continue reading Tax fraud warning for employment agencies and employers
Covid repayment window opens
Those who still owe Covid scheme money to the public purse have been given a time-limited opportunity to pay it … Continue reading Covid repayment window opens
Mini Umbrella Company fraud tribunal win for HMRC
HMRC has secured a landmark victory at an Upper Tier Tribunal against Mini Umbrella Company (MUC) fraud. The judgement states … Continue reading Mini Umbrella Company fraud tribunal win for HMRC
Being moved between umbrellas?
With HMRC clamping down on some umbrella organisations, and new regulatory obligations also being introduced, some employees are finding that … Continue reading Being moved between umbrellas?
PAYE fraud hits 100,000
It maybe feels like there shouldn’t be a lakh or hetsy about it! HM Revenue and Customs is writing to … Continue reading PAYE fraud hits 100,000
DWP blocks £1 billion in incorrect payments
Over £1 billion of Universal Credit payments stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – and set to … Continue reading DWP blocks £1 billion in incorrect payments
‘Fake DBS check’ recruitment scams
Disclosure & Barring Service is providing support to job seekers for a safer employment search. Non-existent DBS check scam Persuading … Continue reading ‘Fake DBS check’ recruitment scams
GDPR tax relief claims! You’re kidding
GDPR tax relief! HMRC is aware of tax agents that target businesses to claim Corporation Tax refunds through incorrect provisions, … Continue reading GDPR tax relief claims! You’re kidding
DWP – Autumn Budget 2024 to drive up opportunity and drive down poverty
Millions of people, including families, pensioners, carers and those struggling to find work are set to benefit from Autumn Budget … Continue reading DWP – Autumn Budget 2024 to drive up opportunity and drive down poverty
Warning about parking fine scam text
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is warning that scammers are sending text messages about fake DVSA parking penalty … Continue reading Warning about parking fine scam text
Social Security fraud crackdown
Fraud, Error and Debt Bill brought forward to tackle social security fraud New laws will give DWP more powers to catch fraudsters … Continue reading Social Security fraud crackdown
Tackling COVID loan abuse
Work to tackle Covid loan abuse revealed in Insolvency Service’s Annual Report and Accounts More than 830 directors banned following … Continue reading Tackling COVID loan abuse
Employment Rights Bill
As part of the Kings Speech delivered on Wednesday 17th July 2924, the Starmer Labour government set out its intention … Continue reading Employment Rights Bill
More named tax avoidance umbrella schemes bagged
HMRC have named more umbrella tax avoidance schemes that don’t work as part of the 72 tax avoidance named schemes. … Continue reading More named tax avoidance umbrella schemes bagged
DWP plan to catch benefit cheats
Department for Work and Pensions announces it has saved £1.3 billion from fraud and error Government updates plan to further crack down on benefit cheats, … Continue reading DWP plan to catch benefit cheats
With Accent Umbrella? Get out!
Accent Umbrella Ltd (AUL) has been named by HMRC as a promoter of tax avoidance schemes. Please be cautious following … Continue reading With Accent Umbrella? Get out!
IT consultant given directorship ban over concealing Covid loan
IT consultant applied for two Bounce Back Loans and failed to disclose existence of first loan to liquidators Syzmon Jastrzebski … Continue reading IT consultant given directorship ban over concealing Covid loan
Over 800 directors banned for abusing Covid support
Tough action taken against directors to tackle Covid loan misconduct 831 company directors banned in 2023-2024 for Covid support scheme … Continue reading Over 800 directors banned for abusing Covid support
Fraudsters behind benefits scam brought to justice
A group who stole over £50 million of taxpayers’ money has been brought to justice in the largest ever benefit … Continue reading Fraudsters behind benefits scam brought to justice
Warning as scam Self Assessment referrals exceed 200,000
HMRC records a rise in the number of customers reporting 'suspicious contact' from fraudsters. With the Self Assessment tax deadline … Continue reading Warning as scam Self Assessment referrals exceed 200,000
‘Fake DBS check’ recruitment scams
Coinciding with the Home Office Stop! Think Fraud campaign, the Disclosure & Barring Service is providing support to job seekers … Continue reading ‘Fake DBS check’ recruitment scams
Construction contractor transferred Covid funds to his own bank
A man from east London must repay £10,000 within one week after falsely applying for a Covid Bounce Back Loan. … Continue reading Construction contractor transferred Covid funds to his own bank
Self Assessment Scam Warning
Self Assessment filers are urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to be on the lookout for scam texts, emails … Continue reading Self Assessment Scam Warning
Students – don’t be scammed
New to paying tax? Criminals posing as HMRC may contact you offering a tax refund or to tell you your … Continue reading Students – don’t be scammed
Counter fraud authority saves taxpayers £311 million in its first year
The Public Sector Fraud Authority has exceeded its £180m target, saving taxpayers £311 million in its first year The savings … Continue reading Counter fraud authority saves taxpayers £311 million in its first year
Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed
Members of a gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets have been … Continue reading Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed
Consultation to ban scam calls launched
A special support service for victims of fraud has also been expanded to cover all 43 police forces in England … Continue reading Consultation to ban scam calls launched
HMRC gives offshore holders chance to come clean
HMRC is writing to UK residents named in the leaked Pandora Papers to give them the chance to correct their … Continue reading HMRC gives offshore holders chance to come clean
More tax avoidance Umbrellas named
The most recent update was on 20th April 2023 with the addition of Acacia Resourcing Services Limited and Marquee Ltd. … Continue reading More tax avoidance Umbrellas named
Take five to stop fraud
If someone contacts you saying they’re from @hmrcgovuk, wanting you to share personal or financial details or transfer money, be … Continue reading Take five to stop fraud
New crackdown on fraud
New offence will make it easier to prosecute a large organisation if an employee commits fraud for the organisation’s benefit. … Continue reading New crackdown on fraud
Jobseekers urged to watch out for 7 signs of job scams
DBS is putting jobseekers on alert for the scams that could leave them victims of theft and fraud. Jobseekers are … Continue reading Jobseekers urged to watch out for 7 signs of job scams
More warnings to medical staff about dirty umbrellas
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are advising users of the named schemes promoted by Charteris Management Ltd (CML) to withdraw … Continue reading More warnings to medical staff about dirty umbrellas
Self Assessment taxpayers could be fraudsters target
HMRC are always detecting new tax scams. Beware of fraudsters offering refunds or tax rebates in the run up to … Continue reading Self Assessment taxpayers could be fraudsters target
Fraud warning as new academic year approaches
The Student Loans Company (SLC) is urging students to be aware of fraud and phishing scams as the new academic … Continue reading Fraud warning as new academic year approaches
Organised Labour Fraud
As part of the August 2022 employer bulletin, HMRC has issued information on Organised Labour Fraud. Organised labour fraud is … Continue reading Organised Labour Fraud
August 2022 HMRC Employer Bulletin
HMRC have published their August 2022 edition of the employers bulletin. It covers a multitude of topics: PAYE PAYE Settlement … Continue reading August 2022 HMRC Employer Bulletin
Takeaway boss who abused Covid-19 support schemes banned for 7 years
Company wrongly claimed £50,000 support during the pandemic through Eat Out to Help Out and furlough schemes. Ifraz Nabi has … Continue reading Takeaway boss who abused Covid-19 support schemes banned for 7 years
New ‘fraud squad’ to crack down on criminals who steal taxpayer money
HM Treasury (by PSP) The Chancellor has announced that a new fraud squad, recruited from data analytics experts and leading … Continue reading New ‘fraud squad’ to crack down on criminals who steal taxpayer money
Take advantage of National Insurance relief when hiring veterans
Businesses hiring military veterans can save thousands of pounds in employee National Insurance contributions, thanks to a scheme launched by … Continue reading Take advantage of National Insurance relief when hiring veterans
Fraudsters seek to hijack personal tax accounts
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning tax payers not to share sensitive personal information online to avoid their identities … Continue reading Fraudsters seek to hijack personal tax accounts
100,000 spread their Self Assessment tax bill
Almost 100,000 Self Assessment filers have used online payment plans to spread the cost of their tax bill into manageable … Continue reading 100,000 spread their Self Assessment tax bill
Campaigners call for urgent action on diversion of tax refunds
In light of reports of problems from taxpayers that are increasing in both number and seriousness, the Low Incomes Tax … Continue reading Campaigners call for urgent action on diversion of tax refunds
HMRC fraud squad takes back £1 billion from offenders
More than £1 billion has been recovered from the proceeds of crime and tax offenders since the formation of a … Continue reading HMRC fraud squad takes back £1 billion from offenders
Protect yourself from online sales scams
The government is urging the public to protect themselves from online sales scams through five actionable steps. The public must … Continue reading Protect yourself from online sales scams
Cyber laws to protect personal tech
Consumers will be better protected from attacks by hackers on their phones, tablets, smart TVs, fitness trackers and other internet-connectable … Continue reading Cyber laws to protect personal tech
HMRC to name tax avoidance promoters
Naming tax avoidance promoters As part of the approach to support taxpayers to steer clear, or move out, of tax … Continue reading HMRC to name tax avoidance promoters
Crackdown on directors who dissolve companies to evade debts
Rogue directors who dissolve companies and avoid paying liabilities to staff, creditors and the taxpayer can now be disqualified from … Continue reading Crackdown on directors who dissolve companies to evade debts
Job scams
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has been working with JobsAware and Cifas, to understand the impact of scams, and … Continue reading Job scams
Self Assessment – Don’t be scammed!
800,000 tax-related scams were reported in the last 12 months HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is preparing to issue emails … Continue reading Self Assessment – Don’t be scammed!
New measures protect pension savers from scams
New measures to protect pension savers and help stop scam transfers in their tracks became law Monday 8th November 2021. … Continue reading New measures protect pension savers from scams
Improperly obtained bounce-back loan
The traffic commissioner for the West Midlands, Nick Denton, recently held a public inquiry into Mafuwer Logistics Ltd. The company … Continue reading Improperly obtained bounce-back loan
Scammers using HMCTS telephone numbers
Criminals are using HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) telephone numbers as a way to target the public by convincing … Continue reading Scammers using HMCTS telephone numbers
Bailiff email scam
The HM Courts and Tribunal service has warned that scammers posing as County Court bailiffs are sending emails trying to … Continue reading Bailiff email scam
£1.3 billion in furlough cash returned
New statistics show that businesses have relayed £1.3 billion in furlough cash, with £300 million returned in the last three … Continue reading £1.3 billion in furlough cash returned
Suspicious email – forward to action fraud
Action fraud are encouraging those who receive suspicious email to report them by forwarding. They state: “Received an email which … Continue reading Suspicious email – forward to action fraud
6,150 investigations of furlough fraud underway
In a parliamentary response to a question from the DUPs Mr Gregory Campbell asking for information on the Coronavirus Job … Continue reading 6,150 investigations of furlough fraud underway
Tax refund company complaints increase
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is concerned that some people who have used a tax refund company to … Continue reading Tax refund company complaints increase
Payroll boss in tax avoidance scheme 11-year ban
Leicester payroll services boss banned for orchestrating multi-million pound tax avoidance scheme, while failing to justify £37 million expenditure in … Continue reading Payroll boss in tax avoidance scheme 11-year ban
New figures reveal victims lost over £63m to investment fraud scams on social media
Figures released by the City of London Police show criminals continue to use popular social media apps to advertise investment … Continue reading New figures reveal victims lost over £63m to investment fraud scams on social media
Supply chain due diligence to assure labour supply chains
HMRC have issued guidance (13th May 2021) to both and help warn business to be aware of risks within Labour … Continue reading Supply chain due diligence to assure labour supply chains
Mini Umbrella Company (MUC) fraud
HMRC have issued information on fraud being committed by a number of Mini Umbrella Companies. HMRC claim that every business … Continue reading Mini Umbrella Company (MUC) fraud
Raising awareness of job scams
Our aim is to raise awareness of scams and employment fraud among job seekers. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) … Continue reading Raising awareness of job scams
Furlough mistakes! 10,000 employers to receive letters
The HMRC’s Taxpayer Protection Taskforce, was set up to ensure that furlough money has been claimed correctly. The Taskforce is … Continue reading Furlough mistakes! 10,000 employers to receive letters
West Yorkshire pair arrested on suspicion of £3.4 million furlough fraud
A man and a woman from West Yorkshire have been arrested as part of an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) … Continue reading West Yorkshire pair arrested on suspicion of £3.4 million furlough fraud
Furlough claim data updated
The Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for December 2020 and January 2021 … Continue reading Furlough claim data updated
COVID-19 support – latest information
Dear Payadvice Ltd, I’m writing to you with the latest information about financial support schemes available to help your clients. This … Continue reading COVID-19 support – latest information
HMCTS telephone numbers used by tax scammers
Scammers using HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) telephone numbers to demand tax payments. An increasing number of concerned individuals … Continue reading HMCTS telephone numbers used by tax scammers
Budget 2021 – COVID fraud to be tackled
As part of the Budget 2021, the Chancellor has announced an expansion of a joint fraud through A new Taxpayer … Continue reading Budget 2021 – COVID fraud to be tackled
Tax scammers are mimicking official numbers!
Scammers are using Royal Courts of Justice telephone numbers to demand tax payments. An increasing number of concerned individuals are … Continue reading Tax scammers are mimicking official numbers!
Action required – submit your January claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to remind you of an upcoming deadline for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims, and to … Continue reading Action required – submit your January claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Salary Sacrifice and furlough reference salary
HMRC have added further clarification to the furlough guidance in relation to salary sacrifice arrangements and the calculation of the … Continue reading Salary Sacrifice and furlough reference salary
Naming starts! Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The naming list HMRC have published the list of employers who claimed CJRS in December 2020. HMRC have used the … Continue reading Naming starts! Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Furlough naming to commence
Publishing details of employers claiming Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) HMRC will publish the names of employers who have made … Continue reading Furlough naming to commence
Self Assessment deadline – 31st Jan is getting closer!
The Self Assessment deadline is on 31st January 2021. SA filers can complete their tax returns online ahead of the … Continue reading Self Assessment deadline – 31st Jan is getting closer!
Christmas holiday, Christmas bonus and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
As part of his update from Thursday 17th December 2020, Jim Harra of HMRC has provided the following clarifications. Can … Continue reading Christmas holiday, Christmas bonus and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Furlough naming – more details released
HMRC have updated guidance (30th November) on naming of employers who have used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for periods … Continue reading Furlough naming – more details released
Enforcement notice – advertising tax arrangement schemes
The Advertising Standards Authority @ASA_UK have published an enforcement notice to ensure businesses who advertise tax avoidance schemes are upfront … Continue reading Enforcement notice – advertising tax arrangement schemes
Important – deadlines you need to be aware of for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to update you with the latest information on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the VAT … Continue reading Important – deadlines you need to be aware of for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Personal Tax Account to show employees furlough amount claimed
19th November 2020 the HMRC have updated information about reporting furlough fraud. They state: “As part of HMRC’s commitment to … Continue reading Personal Tax Account to show employees furlough amount claimed
Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – guidance updates 19th November 2020
HMRC applied further updates to the guidance for the extended CJRS on Thursday 19th November 2020: Check if you can … Continue reading Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – guidance updates 19th November 2020
Self Assessment filers warned about scammers posing as HMRC
Criminals are taking advantage of the Self Assessment deadline to panic customers into sharing their personal or financial details. As … Continue reading Self Assessment filers warned about scammers posing as HMRC
Employer CJRS claim information from 1st December to be made public
Naming As part of the HMRC update information published late on Friday 13th November 2020, confirmation was given on the … Continue reading Employer CJRS claim information from 1st December to be made public
Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – guidance updates 13th November 2020
HMRC applied updates to the following CJRS guidance. 1. Check if your employer can use the CJRS Changed to make … Continue reading Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – guidance updates 13th November 2020
Treasury Direction in relation to the Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
On 13th November, the Chancellor made a Treasury Direction under Section 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act to extend … Continue reading Treasury Direction in relation to the Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Extended Job Retention Scheme claim facility now open
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 31 March 2021. For any grant claims relating to furlough up … Continue reading Extended Job Retention Scheme claim facility now open
Combat Pensions Scam pledge
The pensions industry had been called on to publicly pledge to combat pension scams. Providers, trustees and administrators are urged … Continue reading Combat Pensions Scam pledge
Fraud awareness – Mini Umbrella Company (MUC)
Please see message sent on behalf of the HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, Threat Response Unit. This article has been written … Continue reading Fraud awareness – Mini Umbrella Company (MUC)
Job Support Scheme – Guidance Published (30th October 2020)
*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March … Continue reading Job Support Scheme – Guidance Published (30th October 2020)
Further information available on the Job Support Scheme
*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March … Continue reading Further information available on the Job Support Scheme
Further guidance on business support schemes, including recent government announcements
Dear @PAYadvice, We’re writing to provide you with further information on the support schemes available to help you and your … Continue reading Further guidance on business support schemes, including recent government announcements
Small business guide to Cyber Security
The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) re-launched Small Business Guide sets out five key areas for businesses to help improve … Continue reading Small business guide to Cyber Security
Students warned of tax scam dangers
HMRC has written to universities, through Universities UK, asking them to help ensure their students know how to spot a … Continue reading Students warned of tax scam dangers
New COVID-19 support schemes announced
Dear @PAYadvice, Additional government support has been announced this week for businesses and employees impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) across the … Continue reading New COVID-19 support schemes announced
Important updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Dear @PAYadvice, We’re writing to let you know about upcoming changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and what this means … Continue reading Important updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Paying Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
HMRC have issued new guidance for employers on how to repay grant money. If you’ve claimed too much through the … Continue reading Paying Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
Tax Gap & the Job retention fraud
HMRC Chief Executive appears at Public Accounts CommitteeJim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, appeared at the Public … Continue reading Tax Gap & the Job retention fraud