Guidance

ConfirmCheck the identity of someone representing HMRC in person

How to verify the identity of an officer from HMRC officer or an HMRC collector if they contact you in person.

Updates to this page

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
PublishedPublished:
5 September 2023
Last updatedupdated:
16
7 JanuaryOctober 2026 — See
Show all updates

  1. The process to confirm the identity of an HMRC officer when meeting them in person has been updated.

  2. The telephone number to confirm an officer's identity has been updated. Information has been added on how to report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls.

  3. The process to confirm the identity of an HMRC officer and the telephone number to call has been updated.

  4. How to confirm the identity of an HMRC officer and the telephone number to call has been updated.

  5. The phone number to confirm a HMRC FIS officer’s identity if you’re visited Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm has been updated.

  6. Welsh translation added.

  7. First published.

ConfirmContact anin HMRC officer’s identityperson

Anyone who is representing HMRC will always identify themselves and explain the reason why they are visiting you.

If youyou’re areunsure inabout anywhether doubtthe asperson toyou theare identitydealing ofwith anis a genuine HMRC officer, you can contact HMRC to check their detailsidentity and confirm they are representingan officer from HMRC.

FaceConfirming toan faceHMRC contactofficer’s identity

The officer will identifyshow themselves by showing you their HMRC identification card, which willincludes have their name, photograph and HMRC serial number on it.number.

  1. Make a note of the officer’s name and serial number on the card.number.
  2. The officer will give you aan HMRC telephone number (03000 565656)565 656) to call.
  3. WhenCall you call the number,number youand willgive bethe connected to an HMRC adviser.adviser Give the officer’s name and serial numbernumber.
  4. The fromadviser thewill identificationconfirm cardwhether to the adviser,person sois theya cangenuine confirmHMRC that the officer represents HMRC.officer.

The telephone number youprovided receiveby from the HMRC officer is:officer:

  • is available 24 hours a day
  • is only for verifying the identity of HMRC officers in face to face situations
  • cannot help with queries about emails, letters or phone calls you have received from HMRC

You should not use this telephone number to contact HMRC for general enquiries.

If you do have a general enquiry you can contact HMRC.

Find out about call charges.

ConfirmConfirming an HMRC collector’s identity

An HMRC collector will usually visit you between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

If a collector visits you at any other time and you want to confirm their identity, arrange an appointment with them to return between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The collector will show you their HMRC identification card which will have their name, photograph and HMRC serial number on it.

  1. Make a note of the name and serial number on the card.
  2. Phone HMRC on 0300 200 3862.
  3. Give the name and serial number on the card to the adviser, so they can confirm that the collector represents HMRC.

Find out about call charges.

Get more information

You can check a list of genuine HMRC contacts to help you decide if any contact you have received is from HMRC, or is a scam from a fraudster.

Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls

Contact HMRC to report a suspicious email, social media account, phone call or text message that mentions HMRC.

Updates to this page

Published 5 September 2023
Last updated 16 January 2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates

  1. The telephone number to confirm an officer's identity has been updated. Information has been added on how to report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls.

  2. The process to confirm the identity of an HMRC officer and the telephone number to call has been updated.

  3. How to confirm the identity of an HMRC officer and the telephone number to call has been updated.

  4. The phone number to confirm a HMRC FIS officer’s identity if you’re visited Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm has been updated.

  5. Welsh translation added.

  6. First published.

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