Identify tax scam phone calls, emails and text messages

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.

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.

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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.