Scam HMRC call reports drop by 97%

Reports of scam HMRC phone calls have fallen by 97% over the last 12 months, according to the latest figures from the tax authority.

According to HMRC, reports of scammers impersonating HMRC in phone calls peaked at 79,477 in March 2021 and fell to just 2,491 in December 2021.

The fall in scam call reports to HMRC has also been seen elsewhere with a 92% drop in phishing email reports and a 97% drop in scam text reports over the last year.

This signals that the public is more aware of cyber criminals and the methods they use to trick people.

Mike Fell, HMRC's Head of Cyber Security Operations, said:

'We work incredibly hard to protect the public from these criminals who ruin lives by stealing from people. It's great news that fewer people are receiving and reporting these attempted frauds, but it is still important they continue to report suspicious contact to us.

'We will continue to do everything we can to protect the public from these cynical attempts to impersonate HMRC to steal from people.'

Internet link: HMRC press release