With suspicious text messages, emails and calls skyrocketing, HMRC have come up with a list on how to identify if the contact is a scam.
Following on from last weeks news on how people are being sent bogus letters stating that they are HMRC, we are now listing how to spot the genuine calls, emails and text from the fraud.
Check what to look for first
Use the following checklist to decide if the contact you’ve received is a scam. You can use it for phone calls, emails and text messages.
It could be a scam if it:
- rushes you
- is threatening
- is unexpected
- asks for personal information like bank details
- tells you to transfer money
- offers a refund, tax rebate or grant
View more examples of HMRC related phishing emails and bogus contact .
Check a list of genuine HMRC contact and campaigns to help you decide if the one you’ve received is genuine.
Other signs to look out for
Suspicious phone calls
HMRC will never:
- leave a voicemail threatening legal action
- threaten arrest
View an example of a bogus phone call.
Text messages
From January 2023 HMRC might send you a text message if you call one of the helplines from a mobile phone.
On the call, they will tell you to expect a text message — it will be either immediately or shortly after the call.
In the text message they might send you a link to relevant GOV.UK information or webchat.
HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when they send text messages.
Do not 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.
You should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: [email protected] then delete them.
WhatsApp messages
If you receive any communication through WhatsApp claiming to be from HMRC it’s a scam. Take a screenshot and forward it as an email.
QR codes
HMRC uses QR codes in 2 ways.
HMRC includes QR codes in the welcome letter issued by post to taxpayers who are newly-registered for Self Assessment. The codes take customers to the GOV.UK Self Assessment advice pages.
HMRC also uses QR codes to help you complete a payment to HMRC using a mobile phone.
The QR code is only displayed when you first log into your HMRC online account through the Government Gateway, on a desktop browser.
You can use your mobile phone to scan the code, which allows you to continue your payment on your mobile.
Gift or payment vouchers
HMRC will never ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers.
If you’ve already shared personal details
You can report a disclosure of personal information to the HMRC security team.
If you’ve been a victim of a scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud.