Self-employed workers have been given a stark warning as the latest round of financial support opens to help people during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Government launched the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) for those self-employed or members of a partnership that have been impacted by Covid-19 in various lockdowns or restrictions.
More than £25 billion has been paid out to nearly three million people since the scheme was launched.
While applications for the fourth round of grants ended at the beginning July, the fifth round is now opening, Liverpool Echo reports.
But HM Revenue and Customs has warned claimants of scammers targeting the scheme.
In a tweet, HMRC said: "Scammers are targeting the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
"GOV.UK is the only place you can make your claim - fifth grant opens for claims soon."
Issuing a guide on spotting scams, HMRC said phone calls, emails and text messages could be a scam if it is unexpected, offers a refund, tax rebate or grant, asks for personal information like bank details, is threatening or tells you to transfer money.
HMRC will only ever call you asking about a claim or payment on a debt that you already know about, never leave a voicemail threatening legal action and never give the reason for a call on a voice message.
If you've already shared personal details you can report a disclosure of personal information to the HMRC security team.
If you’ve been a victim of a scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud.
