Tax Agent Swindles Clients Out of £107K in Self-Assessment Fraud
Joseph Logue from Northampton conned clients by claiming their Self Assessment repayments and pocketing the cash, an HMRC probe has uncovered.
The rogue tax agent submitted genuine and fake tax returns for his clients, but kept the repayments to fund a lavish lifestyle in a hotel and buy booze.
Four Years of Fraud Hits Vulnerable Clients Hard
The scam ran from 2015 over four years, with bogus claims totalling £107,000 made without clients’ knowledge.
Some victims struggled to claim COVID support and benefits because Logue’s false returns overstated their income. Others faced unwarranted tax debt inquiries from HMRC.
Even a man on end-of-life care — since passed away — was caught up in Logue’s scam.
Clients Left in the Dark and Out of Pocket
Logue’s victims had no idea their details were used to steal money. Some were wrongly told their repayments hadn’t been sent by HMRC.
One client who confronted Logue found his business had disappeared hours earlier.
Nick Stone, HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said: “Joseph Logue’s despicable behaviour has left a trail of destruction for victims who trusted him. Some had rightful money stolen. We are working to fix their tax records. Tax agents hold huge trust. Using clients’ details to steal is a massive betrayal. This sentence should warn corrupt professionals who think they can abuse that trust and commit tax crimes. Anyone with info about tax fraud can call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Jailed for Nearly Four Years
Logue admitted stealing £107,000 at Northampton Crown Court in February 2023. He was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in jail in September 2023.
