--- title: "HMRC scam texts and calls: how to spot them | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/hmrc-scam-texts-and-calls source: TapSafely description: "Is that HMRC message real? The warning signs, HMRC's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ HMRC # HMRC scam texts and calls: how to spot them Scammers copy HMRC because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake HMRC message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short HMRC says it will never tell you about a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment details by text message, and only emails about rebates from addresses ending in hmrc.gov.uk. It also says it will never threaten arrest, leave voicemails threatening legal action, or ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers. **Most common fake:** Unexpected tax refund or rebate offers sent by text, email or social media. **Safest check:** Do not use links or numbers in the message; sign in to your HMRC online account by typing gov.uk into your browser. Example · fake HMRC message · Illustrative, links disabled HMRC: You are due a tax refund of 326.18 GBP. Claim before midnight or it will be cancelled: hmrc-refund-claim[.]com An example fake HMRC message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What HMRC says HMRC says it will never tell you about a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment details by text message, and only emails about rebates from addresses ending in hmrc.gov.uk. It also says it will never threaten arrest, leave voicemails threatening legal action, or ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers. Source: [HM Revenue and Customs (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails) ## Common fake HMRC messages - Unexpected tax refund or rebate offers sent by text, email or social media - Calls or voicemails threatening arrest or legal action over unpaid tax - Messages asking for bank or card details to receive a refund or grant - Pressure to transfer money or pay with gift or payment vouchers - Contact through WhatsApp claiming to be HMRC ## HMRC's real web addresses Genuine HMRC links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **gov.uk** is real, but **gov-support-center.com** or **gov.uk.account-check.top** are not. - **gov.uk** - **hmrc.gov.uk** - **tax.service.gov.uk** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a HMRC message safely 1. Do not use links or numbers in the message; sign in to your HMRC online account by typing gov.uk into your browser 2. Check the contact against HMRC's list of genuine HMRC contacts on GOV.UK 3. Remember HMRC does not send tax rebate notices by text, so treat any such text as a scam ## How to report a fake HMRC message - Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599 (charged at your network rate) and forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. [Official details on gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails) - Report suspicious phone calls using HMRC's online suspicious phone call form, and report fake social media accounts to branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk. [Official details on gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real HMRC website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-tax-refund-messages) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does HMRC send messages asking for payment or personal details? HMRC says it will never tell you about a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment details by text message, and only emails about rebates from addresses ending in hmrc.gov.uk. It also says it will never threaten arrest, leave voicemails threatening legal action, or ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers. How can I check if a HMRC message is real? Do not use links or numbers in the message; sign in to your HMRC online account by typing gov.uk into your browser. Check the contact against HMRC's list of genuine HMRC contacts on GOV.UK. Remember HMRC does not send tax rebate notices by text, so treat any such text as a scam. How do I report a fake HMRC message? Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599 (charged at your network rate) and forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report suspicious phone calls using HMRC's online suspicious phone call form, and report fake social media accounts to branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk. I clicked a link in a fake HMRC message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Report suspicious HMRC emails, text messages and phone calls](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails) (HM Revenue and Customs (GOV.UK)) - [Identify tax scam phone calls, emails and text messages](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-hmrc-related-scam-phone-calls-emails-and-text-messages) (HM Revenue and Customs (GOV.UK)) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. 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