One of my clients just called me that he received a phone from mobile number and caller claiming from HMRC, saying that there is problem with his tax return and he owes money to HMRC and will be prosecuted and imposed penalties etc etc…………this is clear example of spam call, as HMRC never call from mobile number.
We all encounter these sorts of spam calls, email and text every day, below are some important details from HMRC wherein they explain how to report these to HMRC.
QR codes
HMRC uses QR codes in 2 different ways:
in HMRC letters and correspondence they sometimes use QR codes but only to take you to guidance on GOV.UK — they will not take you to a page where you have to input personal information
when you are logged into your HMRC account they might use QR codes to redirect you, for example to your bank login page
To help fight phishing scams, send any suspicious emails containing QR codes to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.
Text messages
HMRC does send text messages to some of their customers.
In the text message they might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat.
HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when they send text messages.
We advise you not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.
To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.
This is Image showing an example of a scam HMRC text message which is trying to get you to click on a hyperlink and enter personal details.
Emails
HMRC will never send notifications by email about tax rebates or refunds.
Do not:
click on the links to visit a website mentioned in a ‘tax rebate’ email
open any attachments
disclose any personal or payment information
Fraudsters may spoof a genuine email address or change the ‘display name’ to make it appear genuine. If you are unsure, forward it to us and then delete it.
Example of a phishing email and misleading website
Above is Image showing an example of a scam email with a hyperlink which directs you to a phishing website.
Above is Image showing an example of a phishing website designed to trick you into disclosing personal information.
Suspicious phone calls
HMRC is aware of an automated phone call scam which will tell you HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you, and to press 1 to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. This is a scam and you should end the call immediately.
Other scam calls may refer to National Insurance number fraud or offer a tax refund and ask you to provide your bank or credit card information. If you cannot verify the identity of a caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.
If you’ve been a victim of a scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud.
Phishing calls use a variety of phone numbers. To help us investigate, share call details on our suspicious phone call reporting form. Include the:
date of the call
phone number used
content of the call
WhatsApp messages
HMRC will never use ‘WhatsApp’ to contact customers about a tax refund. If you receive communication through ‘WhatsApp’ saying it’s from HMRC, it is a scam.
Email details of the message to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete it.
Social media scams
HMRC is aware of direct messages sent to customers through social media.
A recent scam was identified on X (formerly Twitter) offering a tax refund.
These messages are not from genuine HMRC social media accounts and are a scam. We never use social media to:
offer a tax rebate
request personal or financial information
If you cannot verify the identity of a social media account, send the details by email to: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and ignore it.
Refund companies
HMRC is aware of companies that send emails or texts offering to claim tax refunds or rebates on your behalf, usually for a fee.
These companies are not connected with HMRC in any way.
You should read the ‘small print’ and disclaimers before using their services.
HMRC customs duty scams
HMRC is aware of a text and email scam where the customer is told they must pay customs duty to receive a valuable parcel which does not exist.
These scams should not be confused with changes introduced on 1 January 2021, advising that some UK consumers buying goods from EU businesses might need to pay customs charges when their goods are delivered. Find out more about these new rules on GOV.UK.
If in doubt, we advise you not to reply to anything suspicious, but to email HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk straight away and read HMRC phishing and scams guidance.
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