How do I spot a fake HMRC letter or text?
Fake HMRC contacts threaten immediate arrest or promise a surprise tax refund and ask you to click a link or call a number — HMRC never demands same-day payment or sends refunds via text link.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
HMRC impersonation is the most commonly reported government scam in the UK. Fraudsters impersonate HMRC by letter, email, and text, running two main narratives: you owe unpaid tax and face arrest if you do not pay immediately, or you are owed a refund and must click a link to claim it. Both are designed to create strong emotion — fear or excitement — that overrides your normal caution.
The real HMRC sends written letters to your registered address before taking any enforcement step. It gives you specific deadlines measured in weeks, not hours. Genuine letters quote your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or National Insurance number in a partially masked form (e.g. ending in 4567). They do not demand you call a premium-rate number or pay via bank transfer to an account you have never seen before.
For the 'refund' variant, real HMRC refunds go back to the bank account you used to pay your tax, or by cheque to your address — they are never claimed by following a text link and entering your card details. Any message saying you have a refund waiting at a link that asks for card information is a phishing attack.
Verify any HMRC contact through your Government Gateway account at gov.uk, or call HMRC on 0300 200 3300 (a number you type yourself, not one copied from the suspicious message).
Common red flags
- Threat of immediate arrest or bailiffs unless you pay the same day
- Text or email claiming a tax refund you did not apply for
- Link goes to a domain other than gov.uk
- Request to pay via bank transfer, gift voucher, or iTunes card
- Premium-rate or non-standard phone number (not 0300 200 3300)
- Email address ending in anything other than @hmrc.gov.uk
What to do now
- Do not click any links, call numbers in the message, or make any payment
- Log in to your Government Gateway account at gov.uk to check your actual tax position
- Forward suspicious texts to 60599 and emails to [email protected]
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
- If you paid, call your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud
Frequently asked questions
Does HMRC ever text or email me?
HMRC does send some automated texts about tax credits and self-assessment reminders, but they never include a link asking for payment or personal details.
Can I tell if a call is really HMRC?
Caller ID can be spoofed. If someone phones claiming to be HMRC, hang up and call 0300 200 3300 yourself from a different phone.
What if I gave my bank details?
Contact your bank immediately and ask them to reverse any payment or block the account. Then report to Action Fraud.