27/08/2026
Beware of SCAMS!
In recent years, scams carried out in the name of HMRC have become increasingly common. These are fraudulent attempts by scammers to obtain money or personal information. They may pretend to be HMRC officials and use various methods to deceive their victims.
The most common types of scams:
- Fake emails: Messages that appear to come from HMRC, asking for personal information or payment of outstanding tax.
- Phone calls: Scammers claim that there is an urgent tax debt and threaten legal action if payment is not made immediately.
- Text messages (SMS): False information about tax refunds or unpaid tax, often containing suspicious links to fraudulent websites.
- Fake websites: Websites designed to imitate the official HMRC website in order to collect sensitive personal or financial information.
- Letters: Letters that look very similar to genuine correspondence from HMRC and/or Companies House.
How can you recognise a scam message or phone call?
- HMRC will never ask you to make urgent payments using gift cards, such as Amazon or iTunes gift cards.
- Be cautious of unexpected links asking you to provide personal or banking information.
- Check email addresses carefully: genuine UK government communications normally use official gov.uk domains.
- Threatening language, such as “you will be arrested”, is a major warning sign of a scam.
What should you do if you receive a suspicious message, letter or phone call?
-Do not reply and do not click on links or open attachments.
-Suspicious messages or calls can be reported to HMRC:
- Suspicious emails: [email protected]
- Suspicious text messages (SMS): Forward them to 60599.
- Always contact your accountant. Your accountant should know whether you actually have anything outstanding to pay to HMRC. They can also help you check whether letters or other correspondence you receive genuinely come from HMRC or Companies House.
Stay alert!
Be sceptical of any suspicious request, particularly messages or calls that create a sense of urgency, pressure or fear.
