03 July 2026
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging taxpayers to remain vigilant against social media scams following the arrest of two men suspected of orchestrating a large-scale tax fraud scheme through the social media platform TikTok.
Cybercrime investigators arrested the two suspects in East London after HMRC identified and blocked approximately £153 million in suspected fraudulent tax repayment claims. The investigation is believed to involve the misuse of personal tax information obtained through social media.
According to HMRC, the suspects allegedly used TikTok posts to target UK taxpayers, promoting what appeared to be ‘risk free’ financial opportunities.
HMRC has warned that sharing login credentials can expose people to identity theft and leave them liable for fraudulent activity carried out in their name.
Taxpayers are encouraged to treat their tax account details with the same level of security as their banking information and to remain cautious of online offers promising easy cash or refunds.
HMRC wants to remind customers that it will never use social media to offer tax rebates or request personal and financial information.
Anyone who encounters suspicious HMRC-related social media accounts or messages can report them to HMRC's security team at [email protected]. Information about tax fraud can also be reported through GOV.UK.
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