Fake HMRC Disability Benefit Verification Scam
Scammers impersonate HMRC to target disabled benefit claimants, claiming a tax-related health or disability payment requires re-verification through a link, threatening suspension of disability-linked tax credits or benefit top-ups unless identity is confirmed online.
Part of: Disability Benefit Fraud Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
People claiming disability-related tax credits — such as the disability element of Working Tax Credit or the additional tax-free allowances associated with PIP or DLA — can receive correspondence from both HMRC and the DWP. Scammers exploit this dual-agency landscape to create confusion, sending messages falsely from 'HMRC Benefits Verification' claiming that a disability-related tax credit is under review and must be reverified.
The target audience is deliberately chosen: disabled people and their carers may be less able to quickly consult with others, and the fear of losing essential income creates strong pressure to comply. The fake verification form collects National Insurance number, health condition details, benefit reference numbers, and bank account information.
HMRC does administer disability-linked tax credits, but it conducts reviews through formal written notices sent by post and resolved through official HMRC channels — never through an unsolicited text or email requiring immediate online identity submission.
How this scam works on the HMRC brand
A text or email says: 'HMRC Benefits: Your disability tax credit requires immediate reverification. Failure to verify within 48 hours will result in suspension. Verify now: [link].' The link leads to a government-styled form asking for NI number, disability benefit reference, health condition, and bank account number.
Some campaigns phone the victim directly, using voice-spoofed HMRC numbers, and have the caller pose as a HMRC disability benefits specialist. The caller asks for benefit reference numbers 'to pull up the account' and then requests bank details to confirm payment routing.
Legitimate HMRC reviews of disability-linked tax credits are conducted through formal letters sent by post. Recipients are given substantial notice periods and directed to call official HMRC numbers to discuss their case — not to submit sensitive information through a website link.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited text or email claiming a disability tax credit is under review and must be verified online
- Link does not go to gov.uk
- Request for bank account details to 'confirm payment routing'
- Request for health condition information through a website form
- Threat of benefit suspension within 24 to 48 hours
- Phone call from someone claiming to be a 'HMRC Disability Benefits Specialist' asking for benefit reference numbers
- Email sender address is not @hmrc.gov.uk
How to protect yourself
- Log in to your Government Gateway account at gov.uk/hmrc to check for any genuine review notices
- Call HMRC's Tax Credits helpline at 0345 300 3900 to verify if any review is genuine
- Do not provide health condition details or benefit reference numbers to an unsolicited caller
- Ask a trusted family member, carer, or Citizens Advice adviser to help if you are unsure
- Report the message to [email protected]
- Forward smishing texts to 7726
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
How to report it
- Email [email protected] with a screenshot
- Forward texts to 7726
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
- Contact Citizens Advice at citizensadvice.org.uk for support
- If bank details were given, contact your bank immediately
Frequently asked questions
How does HMRC conduct a legitimate disability tax credit review?
HMRC sends a formal letter by post with a clear HMRC reference number, a response deadline of several weeks, and directions to call the official Tax Credits helpline or submit information by post. No online link is ever used for a sensitive review.
Should I provide my health condition details online in response to an HMRC message?
No. HMRC does not request health condition details through a web form in response to an unsolicited message. If you receive such a request, it is a scam. Genuine reviews use formal written correspondence.
Where can I get support if I am being targeted by this scam?
Contact Citizens Advice at citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848. You can also call the HMRC Tax Credits helpline at 0345 300 3900 to verify the legitimacy of any review communication.