Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine

Branded messages

HMRC may send branded text messages to some of our customers. These will look different to our standard text messages.

These branded messages will:

• show HM Revenue and Customs as the sender
• include the HMRC logo
• contain the verified sender’s information

You should also read our guidance on how to identify suspicious contact.

If your device is not compatible to receive a Rich Communication Services (RCS) message the branded message will appear as a standard text message.

Links in text messages

HMRC does send text messages to some of our customers.

In the text message we might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat.

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

We advise you not to 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.

To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

Child Benefit

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm:

• we have received your Child Benefit claim
• you have successfully opted into or out of Child Benefit payments
• a change to your account
• a claim has been successful

Confirmation and update text messages

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm that we have received from you:

• a claim
• a form
• other correspondence

Pension research

HMRC is working with People for Research to better understand customers’ experiences of receiving a pension.

This research will help guide the design and support of HMRC services for people who receive a pension.

People for Research may contact you by text to invite you to take part in a 60 minute interview online, by telephone or in person in Manchester.

Taking part is voluntary. Any information you give will be:

• confidential
• used for research purposes only
• held securely at all times in line with data protection law

Survey after a call to HMRC or a compliance check

HMRC may send you an exit survey by text message if you have:

• agreed to provide feedback after calling one of our contact centres
• gone through a compliance check

This text message will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• include any phone numbers
• provide links to websites other than to the survey platform

Tax credits

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm and remind you about tax credit claim interview appointments.

We might also contact you by text message to ask you to call the Tax Credit Helpline to discuss your claim.

These text messages will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• provide any links to websites

Other texts you should check

You can also check text messages listed in HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method.