New HMRC enforcement blitz means nowhere to run for dodgy high street businesses

• Public encouraged to ‘shop’ firms breaking the law and blighting the high street, from vape shops to barbers
• Comes as HMRC improves its tax fraud reporting service, making it easier to report something that doesn’t look right
• HMRC to carry out more than 30,000 interventions this year to tackle tax fraud and illegal activity on high streets

Chancellor John Healey is urging people to report tax fraud as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) ramps up its work to tackle illegal activity on the high street.

The improved Report Tax Fraud service on GOV.UK makes it easier than ever to ‘shop' high street businesses they suspect are involved in fraud, from vape shops to barber shops.

The service prompts users for specific, factual information about what they have observed – such as suspicious activity, behaviour, locations and timings to do with money laundering or other HMRC-related criminal activity.

Information submitted through the service will help HMRC's enforcement teams build intelligence, identify patterns, assess risks and target its compliance and enforcement activity more effectively. All information can be submitted anonymously.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:
“Too many high streets have been blighted by dodgy shops that harm local communities and undercuts honest businesses.

"If you see something that doesn’t look right, like suspected tax fraud or money laundering, use HMRC’s fraud reporting service and help protect our high streets.”

Notes to Editors

• In June HMRC announced it will make more than 30,000 interventions in 2026-27 aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in tax fraud, labour exploitation and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
• In May the Home Office launched a new High Street Organised Crime Unit with £30 million of funding, bringing HMRC together with other government departments, Trading Standards, policing partners and the National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Follow HMRC’s Press Office on X @HMRCpressoffice.