Tax scams: watch out for fake HMRC calls, texts and emails

If you're putting the final touches to your tax return ahead of next week's deadline, you'll need to be on your guard against scammers impersonating HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The tax office is regularly targeted by fraudsters sending out dodgy emails, texts and letters, and making scam calls to unsuspecting taxpayers. 

In the year to November 2023, HMRC received more than 200,000 reports of scams from members of the public, up 9% year-on-year.

Read on for the lowdown on the latest tactics used by scammers impersonating HMRC. 

Scam calls

Automated calls are among the most common types of tax scam. 

In 2023, HMRC worked with Ofcom to remove 324 phone numbers that were being used for tax office impersonation scams.

Dodgy calls commonly come from withheld numbers or mobile numbers, and contain an 'urgent' pre-recorded message for the recipient. 

One example involves an automated message stating: ‘An important letter was sent to you from HM Revenue and Customs that requires immediate attention, please press 1'.

We've also received reports of calls stating the recipient has underpaid tax, is subject to legal action, or that an important document has been returned to HMRC.

If you receive a scam call, don't press anything and hang up. If you do follow the automated prompt, you'll be put through to a scammer who will request your personal and financial details. 

Find out more: 

Impersonation emails

Scammers are also sending out dodgy emails claiming you need to log into your tax account or are due a tax refund.

Most recently, we've seen examples of scam emails around P800s, an annual tax calculation that HMRC sends via post. These emails come from the fake address noreply@hmc.co.uk  – note the missing 'r' in HMRC.

The emails contain an attachment to download a document. If you do so, a virus may be installed on your device.  

Delete the email and follow the steps outlined below to report it. 

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Dodgy texts

HMRC says a third of reports of 'suspicious contact' it received in the year to November 2023 related to messages about bogus tax rebates.

Fake HMRC texts have long been in circulation. One recent example states the recipient has 'an outstanding tax refund' and includes a link to 'follow instructions to claim your money'. 

This link leads to a phishing website that will request your personal and financial information. 

HMRC told Which? that anyone who receives an unexpected message claiming to be from the tax office shouldn't respond immediately.

Reporting HMRC scams

You can help protect others by reporting scam attempts. 

Text messagesEmailsLettersCallsWebsites

Filing your tax return

You can use the calculator to tot up your tax bill, get tips on allowances and expenses, and submit your return to HMRC.

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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/tax-scams-watch-out-for-fake-hmrc-calls-texts-and-emails-aPm1H4l5rBq8