HMRC has issued a press release urging self-assessment customers to be on guard against potential fraudsters.

Over the last year, HMRC responded to over 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact from the public, with almost 81,000 confirmed as scams offering customers a fake tax rebate.

Self-assessment customers, who will be starting to think about their annual tax returns, need to be wary of giving out personal information or bank details to scammers mimicking genuine HMRC activity and messages.

Customers should be especially vigilant this time of year, as criminals will target those they know are more likely to be in contact with HMRC.

Fraudsters are contacting individuals via email, text and phone with a variety of false claims, from offering tax rebates to even threatening arrest for tax evasion.

HMRC advises that customers should check the scams advice on gov.uk if they have any suspicions about someone claiming to be from HMRC.

HMRC's director general for customer services, Myrtle Lloyd, said:

"Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

"HMRC will never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that."

Talk to us about your self-assessment.