Identify tax 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.
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.
QR codes
You can use your mobile phone to:
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Scan a QR code.
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Continue your payments on your mobile.
We use QR codes to help you complete a payment to HMRC using a mobile phone and we include them on letters where we:
- ask you to update your contact details
- tell you about a debt payment that is due
- confirm that you’re newly-registered for Self Assessment — the codes take customers to the GOV.UK Self Assessment advice pages
The QR code is also displayed on a desktop browser when you first log into your HMRC online account using Government Gateway.
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. or to Police Scotland by calling 101 if you live in Scotland.
Last updated
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We have added a reporting phone number for Police Scotland.
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Added translation
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Added translation
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Information about how HMRC use QR codes has been updated.
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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.
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Updated information on what to look for first and suspicious phone calls.
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Added information on QR codes.
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First published.