UK Tax Scam Guide
HMRC Scam Text
HMRC scam texts impersonate the UK tax authority to steal money or personal data. Here's how to recognise fake HMRC messages — and how to check any text instantly.
What is this scam?
HMRC scam texts (also called HMRC smishing) pretend to come from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs. They typically promise a small tax refund or threaten urgent legal action over an "unpaid tax bill". The goal is always the same: get you to click a phishing link and enter your name, date of birth, address, bank details, or Government Gateway login.
Common warning signs
- Promises a tax refund — HMRC never offers refunds by text or email
- Threats of arrest, court action, or asset seizure within 24 hours
- Links to non-gov.uk domains (hmrc-refund-claim.co, gov-uk-tax.com)
- Asks for bank details, card numbers, or Government Gateway login
- Uses scare tactics about 'final notice' or 'enforcement action'
- Comes from a mobile number or unverified short code
- Generic greeting — HMRC has your name on file
Realistic scam examples
Fake tax refund
HMRC: You are eligible for a tax refund of £284.50 from the 2025 tax year. Claim within 24 hours: https://hmrc-refund-claim.co/verify
Fake unpaid tax threat
HMRC FINAL NOTICE: An unpaid tax balance of £1,247.00 has been registered against your NI number. To avoid court action and bailiff visit, settle now: https://gov-uk-pay-tax.com
How to stay safe
- Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599 (free) — this is HMRC's official reporting line.
- Never click links in tax-related texts. Log in directly at gov.uk if you want to check.
- HMRC will never ask for personal or banking details via text or email.
- If you've shared bank details, contact your bank immediately and freeze the card.
- Report phishing emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Not sure if a message is a scam?
Paste it into our free AI scam checker for an instant analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Does HMRC text taxpayers?
HMRC may send informational texts (e.g. payment reminders), but they will NEVER send links to claim a refund, ask for personal details, or threaten legal action by SMS.
Can HMRC demand payment by text?
No. HMRC will never demand immediate payment, ask for bank details, or threaten arrest via text. Genuine debts are communicated by post first.
What happens if I clicked the HMRC link?
Don't enter any information. Close the page, run an antivirus scan, and if you submitted bank or card details, contact your bank immediately. Change any passwords you may have entered.
How do I report an HMRC scam text?
Forward the text to 60599 (free of charge in the UK) and then delete it. You can also report it on gov.uk's 'Report suspicious communications' page.