5 June 2026 · 4 min read · 360 Accounts & Bookkeeping Ltd
Warning: HMRC has just exposed a major tax fraud scam operating on TikTok. Two men have been arrested. £153 million in fraudulent claims have been blocked. But if you're a UK business owner, the scammers are still out there — and they're coming for your tax details.
You've probably seen the ads. "Get quick cash. No risk. Share your tax details." They're all over social media right now. And they're all scams.
Here's what happened, how the scam works, and what you absolutely must do to protect yourself.
The TikTok Tax Fraud Scam — What We Know
On 23 April 2026, HMRC arrested two Romanian men (aged 22 and 25) in east London. They were running a coordinated fraud scheme using TikTok to target UK business owners and self-employed people.
Step 1 — The Bait
The scammers posted ads on TikTok promising "quick, risk-free cash" to anyone willing to share their tax details.
Step 2 — The Steal
Victims provided sensitive information: VAT registration numbers, Self Assessment credentials, UTRs, bank details. Everything needed to access HMRC records.
Step 3 — The Fraud
Using stolen credentials, the scammers submitted fraudulent tax repayment claims to HMRC. Thousands of them.
Step 4 — The Damage
Money supposedly goes into victims' bank accounts — but it's being funnelled to the criminals. Victims are left liable to repay HMRC with interest and penalties.
How Big Was The Scam?
HMRC's fraud detection systems caught the scam before the money got paid out. But the victims' identities have been compromised, their tax accounts accessed illegally, and their business details are now in criminal hands.
What Happens To The Victims?
- Your identity is at risk. Criminals have your business details, tax reference numbers, and possibly bank account information.
- Your tax account is compromised. HMRC may have frozen it or flagged it for investigation.
- You could be liable for repayment. If HMRC processed any fraudulent claims using your details, you may be pursued for repayment — sometimes with interest and penalties.
- You might face prosecution. In serious cases where HMRC believes you were complicit, victims can be prosecuted.
- Your bank account could be frozen. Banks often freeze accounts when fraud is detected, sometimes for weeks while investigations proceed.
HMRC's own words: Simon Grunwell, HMRC's head of cybercrime investigations, said: "You should protect your personal tax details in the same way you protect your bank details."
How To Protect Yourself
- Never share your tax details online. Not on social media, not in DMs, not via unsolicited links. Your UTR, VAT number, and Self Assessment password are as valuable as your bank PIN.
- If something promises "quick, risk-free cash", it's a scam. Full stop. No exceptions.
- Report suspicious posts and accounts. Use the flag/report function on TikTok and also report to HMRC on gov.uk.
- Monitor your tax account regularly. Log into your Government Gateway account monthly. Check for unauthorised activity — filed returns you didn't make, updated addresses, changed bank details.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. Turn on MFA on your Government Gateway account to make it much harder for criminals to access your account.
- If you think you've been targeted, act immediately. Contact HMRC's fraud team, your bank, and register with Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk).
What If It's Too Late?
1. Contact HMRC immediately. Call the Self Assessment helpline (0300 200 3300) or your VAT helpline. They can lock your account before fraudulent claims are processed.
2. Contact your bank immediately. Tell them about the fraud risk. They may freeze your account temporarily to protect you.
3. Report to Action Fraud. Go to actionfraud.police.uk and file a report. Get the crime reference number — you'll need it.
4. Get professional help. Contact your accountant or a tax specialist. If fraudulent claims have been filed in your name, you'll need expert guidance to clear your name and protect yourself from HMRC's recovery action.
Think you've been targeted? Don't face it alone.
We help UK businesses deal with HMRC issues every day — including fraud-related complications. If your tax account has been compromised or you've received unexpected communications from HMRC, get in touch and we'll help you work through it.
Get in touch → [www.360accounts.net](https://www.360accounts.net)
360 Accounts & Bookkeeping Ltd · [www.360accounts.net](https://www.360accounts.net)
Sources: HMRC Press Release, April 2026 | GOV.UK | Action Fraud | HMRC Cybercrime Investigation Unit