HMRC has issued a warning to parents searching for childcare financial help, as scammers and fraudsters target families applying for the Labour Party government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme. This scheme offers up to £2,000 per child annually.
Rise in Scam Reports
HMRC figures reveal that 135,500 scam reports were received in just 10 months between February 2025 and January 2026, including 29,000 fake tax refund claims. The tax authority has shut down nearly 25,000 fraudulent websites and phone numbers as criminals exploit seasonal deadlines to target unsuspecting families.
Official Warning
Lucy Pike, Chief Security Officer at HMRC, said: "Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out. I'm urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don't be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC."
Tax-Free Childcare Scheme Details
The Tax-Free Childcare scheme is a significant financial lifeline. HMRC data shows 542,700 families used the scheme in December 2025 alone, accessing £46 million in government support. For every £8 a family pays into their childcare account, the government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child annually.
This substantial benefit makes parents prime targets for sophisticated phishing attempts that promise quick access to funds or threaten penalty charges for missed deadlines.
Expert Insights
Matt Cooke, EMEA Cybersecurity Strategist at Proofpoint, warned: "Tax-themed scams are particularly effective at this time of year, because they combine urgency around deadlines and fear of penalties and fines with the trust that many have in the HMRC brand. Criminals are exceptionally skilled at crafting convincing lures that look legitimate, and because many of us expect to receive HMRC communications during tax season, we can be caught off guard."
A spokesperson from single mothers assistance said: "Scammers know that parents are desperately searching for financial support right now, especially with the new tax year creating confusion around deadlines and eligibility. When families see what looks like an official HMRC link offering childcare help, the urgency to apply before missing out makes them vulnerable to clicking without checking the source properly."
HMRC advises parents to always access the Tax-Free Childcare scheme through the official GOV.UK website and never click on links in unsolicited messages. Reports of suspicious contacts can be made directly to HMRC via their official reporting channels.
