Letters are popular because they are a genuine means of contact used by the Revenue and Customs office. Emails and text messages will never ask for payment; mailed requests do. But you should bear in mind that HMRC are rarely committed to ‘immediate payment’, especially with their first request on a tax issue.

How do I know if my letter from HMRC is genuine?

How do I know if a letter from HMRC is genuine?

  • Letters asking you to ‘act immediately’
  • Incorrect HMRC addresses, both email and postal.
  • Letters that ask for your bank details or give bank details for payment.

Use descriptions of emails, phone calls, letters and text messages recently issued by HMRC to help you decide if a contact is genuine or a scam from a fraudster trying to get your personal information. The lists are organised by subject in alphabetical order. Not every HMRC communication is included.

Is it possible to get a letter from HMRC?

Here, we’re going to tell you what to be aware of when checking for bogus HMRC communications in the mail. Letters are popular because they are a genuine means of contact used by the Revenue and Customs office. Emails and text messages will never ask for payment; mailed requests do.

How to report suspicious phone calls to HMRC?

Report suspicious phone calls, emails or texts to HMRC. Even if you get the same or similar scam contacts often, report them. Do not open attachments or click any links in an email or text message, as they may contain malicious software or direct you to a misleading website.

What happens when you call back HMRC number?

When calling back the phone number given, the interlocutor (generally an indian) is particularly threatening. They always follow the same long script regarding the target’s alleged debt. The worried victims are then persuade into settling the debt immediately by disclosing their credit card details.

What to do if you get a phishing text message from HMRC?

Do not reply if you get a text message claiming to be from HMRC offering you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details. Do not open any links in the message. Send any phishing text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email [email protected] then delete it. An example of a phishing text message is below: