Articles and information in relation to UK Payroll for business, employers and employees.
Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000 Check if your payment will be reclaimed at GOV.UK - you don’t need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Scammers may try to trick customers into handing money over Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams … Continue reading Winter Fuel Payment scams targeting pensioners
UK drives international action to go after scammers at the Global Fraud Summit, hosted by the United Nations in Vienna on 16th - 17th March 2026 Fraudsters targeting the British public will be hunted down by a new INTERPOL Global Taskforce, launched at the Global Fraud Summit. Codenamed Operation Shadow Storm, the new taskforce will … Continue reading Global taskforce to hunt down overseas scammers
HMRC is aware that businesses are being approached by organisations offering models which falsely claim to be able to reduce employment costs through ‘tax credits’ offset from third party businesses they have acquired. HMRC considers these arrangements tax evasion. HMRC is aware that businesses are being approached by organisations offering models which falsely claim to be able to reduce … Continue reading Tax fraud warning for employment agencies and employers
HMRC encourages SA filers to recognise a scam and protect themselves from fraud HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is calling on Self Assessment (SA) filers to remain vigilant as scam attempts continue. They are urged to be alert to bogus tax refund scams and phishing attempts. To report any suspicious emails, texts or calls to … Continue reading Scams warning as Self Assessment filers targeted
HMRC warns of Winter Fuel Payment scams •More than 15,000 reports of Winter Fuel Payment scam activity in June •HMRC warns customers to be alert to any scams •More than 4,600 bogus Winter Fuel Payment related websites removed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to be on high alert for scams linked … Continue reading Winter Fuel Payment scams
The Department for Work and Pension are warning pensioners that there are scam texts in circulation. If you get a text about "Winter Fuel Payment" it is a scam They remind pensioners that Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything and won’t receive a text. Fraudsters aren’t fussy. They’ll … Continue reading Winter fuel text – it’s a scam
HMRC is reminding Self Assessment filers to be alert to potential scams and fraudsters ahead of the filing deadline on 31st January 2025. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) warns of scam attempts targeting Self Assessment filers Filers urged to be cautious of refund scams as the 31st January tax return deadline draws closer Concerned filers … Continue reading Scams warning as Self Assessment deadline nears
Student advice at start of 24/25 academic year At the start of the 2024/2025 academic year, the Students Loans Company (SLC) is reminding students to be vigilant of smishing scams. Scammers target students at this time of year as they receive their first maintenance loan payment. SLC is expecting to pay £2bn to students over … Continue reading Student Smishing Scams
HMRC records a rise in the number of customers reporting 'suspicious contact' from fraudsters. With the Self Assessment tax deadline now well passed, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to be wary of bogus tax refund offers. Fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment filers with more than 11.5 million submitting a … Continue reading Warning as scam Self Assessment referrals exceed 200,000
Self Assessment filers are urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to be on the lookout for scam texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters. This warning comes as HMRC received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the 12 months to September 2023, of which 58,000 were offering fake tax rebates. With around … Continue reading Self Assessment Scam Warning
New to paying tax? Criminals posing as HMRC may contact you offering a tax refund or to tell you your National Insurance number has been used in a fraud. Make sure you’re on your guard! Identify tax scam phone calls, emails and text messages Check what to look for first HMRC suggest that you use … Continue reading Students – don’t be scammed
If someone has had a change in circumstances, then they might need to complete their first ever Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding people. Taxpayers can use the quick and their easy free online checking tool and register with HMRC by 5th October … Continue reading Change of circumstances – Do you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return?
A special support service for victims of fraud has also been expanded to cover all 43 police forces in England and Wales. Plans to ban cold calls for financial products such as sham cryptocurrency schemes, mortgages and insurance have been set out with the launch of a consultation, marking the next step in delivering the … Continue reading Consultation to ban scam calls launched
If someone contacts you saying they’re from @hmrcgovuk, wanting you to share personal or financial details or transfer money, be on your guard. Never let yourself be rushed. To help HMRC fight these crimes: forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. PAYadvice.UK 12/4/2023
DBS is putting jobseekers on alert for the scams that could leave them victims of theft and fraud. Jobseekers are being put on alert for the 7 signs of scams that could leave them out of pocket and at risk of identity fraud. January and February are acknowledged within the recruitment industry as peak job … Continue reading Jobseekers urged to watch out for 7 signs of job scams
The Student Loans Company (SLC) is reminding students to be on the lookout for phishing and online scams as the next student loan payment date approaches in January. Scammers may try to trick students into giving away personal and financial information by sending fake emails and texts, or calling and pretending to be from SLC, … Continue reading Students warned to lookout for phishing and online scams.
Taxpayers who have reclaimed tax payments using the repayment agent Tax Credits Ltd since December 2021 are being directly refunded by HMRC. HMRC found that up to 60,000 taxpayers who used the repayment agent Tax Credits Ltd signed up through a new online process. The company introduced the process in December 2021 and following an investigation, … Continue reading HMRC refunding Tax Credits Ltd clients
HMRC are always detecting new tax scams. Beware of fraudsters offering refunds or tax rebates in the run up to the 31st January Self Assessment deadline. In the 12 months to August 2022, HMRC has: responded to 181,296 referrals of suspicious contact from the public. Some 80,662 of these offered bogus tax rebates responded to 55,386 reports … Continue reading Self Assessment taxpayers could be fraudsters target
During this period following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, including her Lying-in-State and State Funeral, there may be an increase in phishing emails and other scams. What is phishing? 'Phishing' is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit … Continue reading The National Cyber Security Centre warns about potential scams during the period of national mourning.
The Student Loans Company (SLC) is urging students to be aware of fraud and phishing scams as the new academic year starts. They will pay more than £2billion to 2 million students over the coming weeks and reminding students to be vigilant. As payments make their way, the company is warning Freshers and returning students … Continue reading Fraud warning as new academic year approaches
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning tax payers not to share sensitive personal information online to avoid their identities being used to commit tax fraud. HMRC is aware that criminals are attempting to obtain customers’ Government Gateway logins and other personal details, enabling them to register for Income Tax Self Assessment and submit bogus tax … Continue reading Fraudsters seek to hijack personal tax accounts
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that more than 10.2 million customers filed their 2020 to 2021 tax returns by the 31st January 2022 deadline. More than 630,000 filed on deadline day and the peak hour for filing was 16:00 to 16:59 when 52,475 completed their Self Assessment. There were 20,947 who completed their … Continue reading Over 10.2 million filed their Self Assessment by 31st January 2022
Reports of scam HMRC phone calls have fallen by 97% over the last 12 months, latest HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures show, which display a downward trend in reports overall throughout the past year. Reports of scammers impersonating HMRC in phone calls peaked at 79,477 in March 2021 and fell to just 2,491 in December 2021. … Continue reading Reported HMRC scam calls drop 97%
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self Assessment taxpayers for one month – giving them extra time, if they need it, to complete their 2020 to 2021 tax return and pay any tax due. HMRC is encouraging taxpayers to file and pay on time if they can, … Continue reading HMRC gives Self Assessment taxpayers more time to ease COVID-19 pressures
The government is urging the public to protect themselves from online sales scams through five actionable steps. The public must be vigilant in protecting themselves from the threat of online scammers the Government has urged after a year which saw a record number of cyber attacks and online scams. Reports to Action Fraud, the national … Continue reading Protect yourself from online sales scams
Consumers will be better protected from attacks by hackers on their phones, tablets, smart TVs, fitness trackers and other internet-connectable devices due new law. Bill to better protect people’s smartphones, TVs, speakers, toys and other digital devices from hackersWill prevent the sale of consumer connectable products in the UK that do not meet baseline security … Continue reading Cyber laws to protect personal tech
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has been working with JobsAware and Cifas, to understand the impact of scams, and how information collected as part of a scam, is then used by scammers. Signs of a potential job scam Job scams are on the rise, and in 2020, seasonal job scams increased by 88% compared … Continue reading Job scams
800,000 tax-related scams were reported in the last 12 months HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is preparing to issue emails and SMS to Self Assessment filers reminding them to be on their guard after nearly 800,000 tax-related scams were reported. Fraudsters are using Self Assessment to try and steal money or personal information from unsuspecting … Continue reading Self Assessment – Don’t be scammed!
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) continues a campaign to raise awareness of job scams and employment fraud among job seekers, alongside JobsAware – a non-profit organisation that informs people of how to avoid and report job scams and other unfair working practices. With seasonal job scams predicted to increase in the lead up to … Continue reading DBS and seasonal job scams
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued new guidance to help agencies and employers reduce their risks of using umbrella employers who are operating tax avoidance schemes. Tax avoidance schemes Disguised remuneration schemes These schemes claim to prevent some payments being taxable. They describe taxable earnings paid for doing a job as something that is … Continue reading Reduce risk of using umbrellas who operate tax avoidance schemes
Criminals are using HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) telephone numbers as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money and personal information such as national insurance numbers. The calls impersonate HMCTS and may ask the caller to ‘press 1’ in order to speak with an advisor about unpaid fines … Continue reading Scammers using HMCTS telephone numbers
The HM Courts and Tribunal service has warned that scammers posing as County Court bailiffs are sending emails trying to force companies and householders to make immediate payments. These scammers claim that the person owes money, often using the name ‘John Hutchinson’ as well as others. They follow up the email with a telephone call … Continue reading Bailiff email scam
HMRC is warning university students to be wary of potential scams, especially if they have a part-time job and are new to interacting with the department. University students taking part-time jobs are at increased risk of falling victim to scams, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning. Higher numbers of students going to university this … Continue reading HMRC warns students of scams
Dear PAYadvice.UK , I’m writing to you with the latest information about the support schemes available to help your clients, as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. This includes a reminder of the 14th September 2021 deadline for submitting your clients’ August Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims, information to help you and your … Continue reading Submit August claims, prepare for closure of the Job Retention Scheme and the latest on SEISS
Action fraud are encouraging those who receive suspicious email to report them by forwarding. They state: “Received an email which you’re not quite sure about? Is it asking you to login to your account, or maybe to "verify" your payment details?” If you are suspicious, report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk PAYadvice.UK 24/8/2021
Dear PAYadvice.UK I’m writing to you with the latest information about the support schemes available to help your clients, as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and a reminder of the 14th September 2021 deadline for submitting your clients’ August Coronavirus Job Retention … Continue reading Actions for you and your clients – preparing for closure of the Job Retention Scheme and the latest on SEISS
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is concerned that some people who have used a tax refund company to get a PPI (payment protection insurance) or working from home tax refund are now discovering that unconnected tax refunds are also going to the refund company, with further fees being deducted. Deed of assignment! People … Continue reading Tax refund company complaints increase
Figures released by the City of London Police show criminals continue to use popular social media apps to advertise investment scams and contact potential victims. Over £63m was lost nationally by victims of investment fraud who referred to a social media platform in their report to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime. … Continue reading New figures reveal victims lost over £63m to investment fraud scams on social media
More than 63,500 filed their 2020 to 2021 tax return online on 6 April 2021 and almost 950,000 online Self Assessment returns received so far this tax year. HMRC has seen a growing trend in early filers. In the last 5 tax years, the number of customers choosing to file on the first day of … Continue reading 63,500 file Self Assessment on first day of tax year
Our aim is to raise awareness of scams and employment fraud among job seekers. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is running a campaign to raise awareness of job scams and employment fraud among job seekers. DBS is working alongside JobsAware, Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI. JobsAware is a non-profit organisation, with cross-government support, that informs people … Continue reading Raising awareness of job scams
Dear Payadvice Ltd, I’m writing to you with the latest information about financial support schemes available to help your clients during the pandemic. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the VAT deferral new payment scheme. Thank you for providing invaluable support to your clients … Continue reading COVID-19 support – what’s available and actions you or your clients may need to take
Dear Payadvice Ltd, I’m writing to you with the latest information about financial support schemes available to help your clients as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the VAT deferral new payment scheme. Thank you for … Continue reading COVID-19 support – what’s available and actions you or your clients may need
HMRC have issued the April 2021 Employer Bulletin, again, packed full with information. In this month’s edition of the Employer Bulletin there are updates and information on COVID-19 updates and information:Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeVAT deferral new payment schemeNew one-off payment of £500 to support working households receiving tax creditsExtension of filing dates for internationally mobile … Continue reading HMRC April 2021 Employer Bulletin
Dear Payadvice Ltd, I’m writing to you with the latest information about financial support schemes available to help your clients. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the VAT deferral new payment scheme. Self-Employment Income Support Scheme To support you in helping your clients, here … Continue reading COVID-19 support – latest information
Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to provide you with more information on the financial support schemes available to help you and your clients through the COVID-19 pandemic, including updates on deferring VAT and claiming for furloughed staff through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). VAT deferral new payment scheme – join from 23 February If businesses … Continue reading COVID-19 support for employers – latest information