Two arrested for suspected £153 million TikTok tax scam

• Two men suspected of using TikTok to persuade UK taxpayers to hand over personal tax details
• HMRC blocked £153 million of suspected fraudulent claims
• Public warned to be wary of social media posts promising financial rewards in exchange for personal tax details

Two men suspected of using TikTok in an alleged multi-million pound tax fraud have been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Cybercrime investigators arrested the pair in east London after blocking £153 million of suspected fraudulent claims that are thought to have used personal tax details from TikTok users.

The men, who are in their twenties and from Romania, are accused of using the social media platform to persuade taxpayers to hand over tax account details with the promise of financial rewards.

HMRC is urging people to be cautious of any online posts claiming ‘risk free’ rewards in return for sharing their personal information.

Anyone giving out their tax details risks their identity being stolen, their bank account being frozen and they may also be liable to repay the money or even face prosecution themselves.

Simon Grunwell, Head of Cybercrime Investigations at HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, said:

"You should protect your personal tax details in the same way you protect your bank details. Claims of quick, risk-free cash in return for sharing your personal information are a scam. They aim to defraud you and the taxpayer.

“Anyone who comes across adverts on social media or is approached in any way with promises of easy money through their tax credentials should think twice and report it on GOV.UK.”

Search ‘keeping your HMRC sign in details safe’ on GOV.UK for more information.

Suspicious HMRC-related social media accounts and messages can be reported to HMRC’s security team by emailing branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk. Anyone with information about tax fraud or the people behind it can report this at www.gov.uk/report-tax-fraud.

HMRC will never use social media to offer a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment information.

Notes to editors

• Both suspects are Romanian nationals, aged 22 and 25, and were arrested at addresses in the Newham area of London on 23 April 2026. Both were subsequently released on bail.
• The men were arrested on suspicion of:
  • Fraud by false representation contrary to Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
  • Encouraging or assisting the commission of one or more offences contrary to Section 46 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.
  • Unauthorised access with intent contrary to Section 2 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
  • Money laundering offences contrary to Sections 327–329 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

• Criminals sometimes use social media to try and find people to trick or persuade into sharing their personal or sign in details, then use them to apply for fraudulent tax repayments from HMRC. They hide their own identity, which means the person whose details they’ve used will likely owe money to HMRC.
• Social media posts often claim to be ‘risk free’ and the accounts send direct messages to people to attract them.
• We have seen similar suspected scams across multiple social media platforms - such as Instagram and Snapchat. Examples can be found in the "related media" section below.
• HMRC is unable to provide further detail about the ongoing investigation at this stage.