Fraudulent claims force HMRC to close repayment phonelines

Will Drysdale, Senior Reporter, Business & Accountancy Daily

Due to suspected fraud HMRC has temporarily closed the phonelines and webchat services for self assessment taxpayers to file repayment requests but would not share details

Despite the pause in this dedicated phone service, HMRC confirmed to Business & Accountancy Daily that no other phone line or webchat service have been impacted by this, and the regular self assessment helplines are open as usual.

HMRC also said that it has been directing taxpayers to online services to claim their repayment, but they can also write to HMRC instead. There may be a longer wait time on the postal method though.

HMRC would not provide any details about the nature of the fraudulent activity as it said this could ‘help the criminals involved adapt their methods’.

Additionally, HMRC has said it is under attack from organised criminal gangs all the time, so this is nothing it cannot deal with.

A spokesperson from HMRC said: ‘We take the security of customers’ data extremely seriously, continuously monitoring our systems and data to make sure that information is safe.’

But the rise in fraudulent claims has led to the pause, which it is hoped will be a temporary measure.

‘We’ve paused taking new self assessment repayment requests over the telephone or via webchat in response to a recent increase in suspected fraudulent attempts, but our systems remain secure,’ an HMRC spokesperson said.

‘The vast majority of repayment claims are done online, and people can continue to claim refunds via their online tax account as normal, or they can submit claims via post.’