Fake HMRC / IRS Tax Rebate Email Scam Examples
Emails claiming to be from HMRC or the IRS say you are owed a tax refund and direct you to a fake government portal to enter your bank or card details.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
HMRC: Following a review of your tax return, you are entitled to a tax rebate of [amount]. Claim here: [fake link]
IRS Tax Refund Notice: A refund of [amount] is awaiting processing. Verify your details to receive payment: [fake link]
Gov.uk Tax Refund: Your application reference [number] shows an unclaimed refund. Complete your claim before [date]: [fake link]
HMRC Automated Notification: You have an outstanding tax credit of [amount]. Provide your bank details to process: [fake link]
What the scammer wants
To steal bank account details, card numbers, and personal identity information via a convincing fake government portal that mimics the real tax authority website.
Red flags in the message
- Unsolicited tax rebate notification by email — real agencies write by post or secure online account
- Link to a domain that is not the verified official tax authority domain
- Request for bank or card details to 'receive' a refund
- Deadline pressure to claim before a set date
- No personalisation with your full name and national reference number
A safe response
Do not click. Log in to your official government tax account directly by typing the address. Any genuine refunds are visible inside your account and are processed without you entering bank details via an email link.
What not to send
- Bank account or card details
- National Insurance or Social Security number
- Personal identity documents
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank immediately if you entered payment details
- Report the email to the tax authority's fraud reporting service
- Monitor your credit file for identity fraud
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times