How to check a call
A call can display a number that looks official and still be a scam: Ofcom lists HMRC among the organisations scammers pretend to call from.
- Compare it with HMRC’s list of genuine contacts. HMRC describes the emails, phone calls, letters and texts it has recently sent, so you can decide whether yours could be a scam.
- Look at HMRC’s published examples of phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts.
- If you need to speak to HMRC, find its number yourself on GOV.UK rather than using one given by the caller. GOV.UK warns that some websites and phone numbers imitate government services.
What HMRC says it does not do
- HMRC will never send a notification of a tax rebate, or ask for personal or payment information, by text message.
- It will only email you about a tax rebate, or ask for personal or payment details, from an address ending in hmrc.gov.uk.
- It never uses social media to offer a tax rebate or to ask for personal or financial information.
Recorded calls that threaten arrest
One of Take Five’s case studies describes a recorded call from someone calling themselves “Officer Mark Wilson”, claiming to be from HMRC and warning of legal consequences, including arrest, unless the person called back. Threats, deadlines and pressure are the warning signs Ofcom lists for scam calls: genuine callers do not rush you, and it is always safe to hang up.
How to report it to HMRC
| What you received | Where to report it |
|---|---|
| A phone call | HMRC’s “Report a suspicious HMRC phone call” online service; you need an email address or a sign-in |
| A text message | Forward it to 60599, charged at your network rate |
| An email | Forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete it |
| A social media account or message | Send the details to branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk |
HMRC says it may share your email address and phone number with other organisations to close down scams.
If you have already paid
Call your bank straight away, then report the scam to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or to Police Scotland on 101 if you live in Scotland.