HMRC Scams in the UK: How to Spot a Fake Tax Refund Text or Threatening Call
HMRC is one of the most impersonated organisations in the UK. Fraudsters send texts and emails promising a 'tax rebate' or 'refund' that you can claim through a link, and make automated calls claiming you owe unpaid tax and that a warrant or arrest is imminent. Spikes happen around the 31 January Self Assessment deadline and when annual tax calculations go out. Real HMRC does not text you a link to claim a refund, will not threaten immediate arrest over the phone, and never asks for payment by gift card or cryptocurrency.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“HMRC: You are due a tax refund of £478.92 from the 2025/26 tax year. To claim, please complete your details within 24 hours: hmrc-taxrefund-gov.uk/claim”
Example 2
“This is an automated message from HM Revenue and Customs. A lawsuit has been filed against you for unpaid tax. Press 1 now to speak to a caseworker or a warrant will be issued for your arrest.”
Example 3
“GOV.UK: Your tax code has been flagged for underpayment. Avoid a £1,200 penalty by settling your balance today: gov-uk-hmrc-payment.info”
Warning Signs of an HMRC Scam
- ⚠A text or email says you are 'eligible for a tax refund' and asks you to click a link to claim it
- ⚠An automated or live call says you owe tax, that a warrant has been issued, or that police will arrest you today
- ⚠You're asked to pay 'outstanding tax' by bank transfer to a personal account, gift cards (Apple, Google Play, Amazon) or crypto
- ⚠The sender asks for your bank card details, Government Gateway password, or National Insurance number to 'verify' you
- ⚠The link leads to a site that looks like GOV.UK but the address is not on gov.uk (e.g. hmrc-refund-uk.com)
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1You receive a text, email, WhatsApp or robocall that uses the HMRC or GOV.UK name, crown logo and official-sounding language
- 2The message offers a refund (greed) or threatens a penalty, court case or arrest (fear) to rush you
- 3A link takes you to a convincing fake GOV.UK page that asks for your name, address, date of birth and card details
- 4Card details are used straight away, or a follow-up 'bank fraud team' call tricks you into approving payments or moving money
- 5On phone versions, a fake 'HMRC officer' demands immediate payment by bank transfer, gift cards or crypto to 'stop the warrant'
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Tax refunds | Refunds are paid automatically, via your tax code, or claimed inside your HMRC online account / HMRC app | A text or email with a link to 'claim your refund' by entering card details |
| Tone | Letters explain what you owe and how to appeal, with reasonable deadlines | Threatens arrest, police visits or deportation if you don't pay within hours |
| Payment method | Payments go to HMRC's own bank accounts using your reference, as shown on GOV.UK | Demands gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a transfer to an individual's account |
| Website | Always on www.gov.uk — the domain ends in gov.uk | Look-alike domains such as hmrc-refund.co, gov-uk-tax.com or shortened links |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Don't click the link or call any number in the message — log in to your HMRC account via GOV.UK or the HMRC app to check if anything is really owed
- ✓Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599 and suspicious HMRC emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- ✓Paste the suspicious message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
- ✓If you entered bank details, call your bank immediately using the number on your card (or dial 159) and ask them to block payments
- ✓If you lost money, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
Does HMRC send texts about tax refunds?
HMRC does send some texts, but it will never text you a link to claim a tax refund or ask for your bank or card details by text. Refunds are handled through your HMRC online account, the HMRC app, your tax code, or a letter. A text with a refund link is a scam.
Will HMRC call and threaten to arrest me?
No. HMRC may occasionally phone about a genuine tax matter, but it will not threaten you with immediate arrest, send the police, or demand payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. Automated 'lawsuit' or 'warrant' calls are scams — hang up.
How do I report an HMRC scam?
Forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599, and forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. You can also forward any scam text to 7726. If you have lost money, report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk, 0300 123 2040).
How can I check if HMRC really contacted me?
GOV.UK publishes a page called 'Check a list of genuine HMRC contacts'. You can also sign in to your HMRC online account or the HMRC app directly — never through a link in a message — to see any real letters, balances or refunds.
I gave my details on a fake HMRC site — what now?
Call your bank straight away (159 connects you to most major UK banks) to block your card. Change your Government Gateway password if you entered it, watch for follow-up 'bank security' calls, and report to Action Fraud.
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