Overview
- HMRC’s fraud-detection systems identified and stopped suspected fraudulent repayment claims totaling £153 million before payments were made.
- Two Romanian men, aged 22 and 25, were arrested at addresses in Newham on 23 April, interviewed under caution, and have been released on bail while enquiries continue.
- Investigators say offenders used TikTok posts and direct messages to recruit people and businesses to supply VAT, UTR or self-assessment credentials and verification codes for bogus claims.
- HMRC warns it will never offer rebates or ask for personal or banking details via social media and urges anyone approached with promises of easy cash to report it on GOV.UK.
- Victims who share tax login details risk identity theft, frozen bank accounts and being required to repay fraudulently claimed sums, and investigators are pursuing wider links including recruited companies.