Guidance

Identify HMRCtax related scam phone calls, emails and text messages

Use a checklist to decide if a suspicious contact is a scam and not a genuine phone call, text message (SMS) or email.

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
Published
29 October 2020
Last updated
1930 January 2023 — See all updates

Check what to look for first

Use the following checklist to decide if the contact you’ve received is a scam. You can use it for phone calls, emails and text messages.

It could be a scam if it:

  • rushes you
  • is threatening
  • is unexpected
  • asks for personal information like bank details
  • tells you to transfer money
  • offers a refund, tax rebate or grant

For more help view examples of HMRC related phishing emails and bogus contact .

Check a list of genuine HMRC contact and campaigns to help you decide if the one you’ve received is genuine.

Report suspicious phone calls, emails or texts to HMRC.

Other signs to look out for

Suspicious phone calls

HMRC will never:

  • leave a voicemail threatening legal action
  • threaten arrest

View an example of a bogus phone call.

Text messages

From January 2023 HMRC might send you a text message if you call one of our helplines from a mobile phone.

On the call, we will tell you to expect a text message — it will be either immediately or shortly after our call.

In the text message we might send you a link to relevant GOV.UK information or webchat.

HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.

Do not open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.

You should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

WhatsApp messages

If you receive any communication through WhatsApp claiming to be from HMRC it’s a scam. Take a screenshot and forward it as an email.

QR Codescodes

HMRC uses QR codes in 2 ways.

HMRC includes QR codes in the welcome letter issued by post to taxpayers who are newly-registered for Self Assessment. The codes take customers to the GOV.UK Self Assessment advice pages.

HMRC also uses QR codes to help you complete youra payment to HMRC using a mobile device.phone.

The QR code willis firstonly be displayed when you’reyou loggedfirst log into your HMRC online account through the Government Gateway, on a desktop browser.

You willcan then be able to use your mobile phone to scan the codecode, which willallows allow you to continue your payment on your mobile.

We will never send you a QR code. If you receive a QR code at any time, it’s a scam.

Gift or payment vouchers

HMRC will never ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers.

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.

Published 29 October 2020
Last updated 1930 January 2023 + show all updates

  1. Information about how HMRC use QR codes has been updated.

  2. Information about when HMRC might send you a text message if you call one of our helplines from a mobile phone, and what it might include has been added.

  3. Updated information on what to look for first and suspicious phone calls.

  4. Added information on QR codes.

  5. First published.

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