TikTok users in the United Kingdom have been warned to remain vigilant against tax scams after two men were arrested in east London over an alleged fraud scheme involving £153 million in false tax claims.
The suspects, aged 22 and 25, are accused of using the social media platform to entice users into sharing their personal tax information by promising financial rewards.
According to investigators, the stolen details were then used to submit fraudulent tax repayment claims worth tens of millions of pounds. However, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said the claims were detected and blocked before any payments were made.
HMRC is now urging social media users to be cautious of posts advertising “risk-free” cash rewards in exchange for tax information, warning that such offers are often scams designed to steal personal data.
The agency explained that fraudsters use the information to file fake tax refund claims while concealing their identities. As a result, victims may find themselves liable for any money wrongly claimed from HMRC in their name.
Officials also noted that similar schemes have been reported on other social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat.
Simon Grunwell, HMRC’s Head of Cyber Crime Investigations, advised the public to treat their tax details with the same level of care as their banking information.
“Protect your personal tax details in the same way you protect your bank details,” Grunwell said.
“Claims of quick, risk-free cash in return for sharing your personal information are a scam. They aim to defraud you and the taxpayer.”
The two Romanian nationals linked to the alleged TikTok scam were arrested in Newham on April 23. They are being investigated for offences under the Fraud Act, the Serious Crime Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Both men have since been released on bail while investigations continue.
