by Asim Abbas
11 November 2026 
HMRC scams: how to spot fake tax texts, emails and calls
HMRC scams: how to spot fake tax texts, emails and calls
Fake HMRC messages spike around tax deadlines, offering refunds or threatening arrest. They’re designed to steal personal details, bank information or money.
- HMRC never texts or emails about refunds
- HMRC won’t threaten arrest or ask for gift cards
- Forward texts to 60599
- Forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
Knowing how HMRC actually contacts people makes these scams much easier to spot.
This guide explains the common scams, the warning signs and how to report them.
Common HMRC scams
- Texts saying you’re owed a tax refund, with a link
- Emails asking you to update your details
- Automated calls saying a warrant will be issued unless you pay
- Messages offering help with a fake Self Assessment penalty
- Fake HMRC social media accounts
- Scam letters asking for payment to unusual accounts
How HMRC really contacts you
HMRC does send texts, emails and make calls in some cases, but it won’t ask for personal or bank details by text or email, tell you about refunds that way, or demand immediate payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency or transfers to personal accounts.
Tax code checker
Check your real tax position.
Warning signs
- Pressure to act immediately
- Threats of arrest or prosecution
- Links to sites that aren’t on gov.uk
- Requests for PINs, passwords or full card numbers
- Spelling mistakes and odd sender addresses
- Payments to accounts not named HMRC
Jas gets a text in January saying she’s owed £324.80 and must claim within 24 hours. The link goes to a site that looks like GOV.UK but has a different web address. She doesn’t click, forwards the text to 60599 and checks her HMRC app instead, which shows no refund.
Fixed-fee accountancy support
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Get a fixed-fee quoteCall 0161 531 4179How to report scams
- Texts: forward to 60599
- Emails: forward to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Calls: report through GOV.UK
- If you’ve lost money: contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud, or Police Scotland in Scotland
If you’ve shared details
Change your Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login password, contact your bank, and tell HMRC. Watch your HMRC account for changes, such as new bank details or addresses.
Checking an accountant
Scammers sometimes pose as tax agents. Check a firm’s details, professional body membership and AML supervision before sharing documents. Our clients always deal with us directly by phone at 0161 531 4179, email or WhatsApp.
See HMRC’s guidance on reporting suspicious HMRC contact and our guide to genuine tax refunds.
What should I do next?
In texts or emails.
For your real position.
60599 or phishing email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HMRC send texts about tax refunds?
No. Texts about refunds are scams.
Can HMRC arrest me over the phone?
No. Threats of arrest on a call are a scam.
How do I report a fake HMRC text?
Forward it to 60599.
How do I report a fake HMRC email?
Forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
What should I do if I gave my bank details?
Contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
Need help with this? Wingate Accountants offers fixed-fee online accountancy support across the UK. Call 0161 531 4179 or request a quote at wingateaccountants.co.uk.
About the Author
Stephen Reynold
I’m Stephen Reynold, an accountant at Wingate Accountants. I work with sole traders and small companies, turning tax rules into clear, practical next steps.
