Bogus HMRC calls, beware of emails, SMS’s proposing tax rebates, refunds or asking for personal or payment information
A number of our clients have reported bogus calls, emails and text messages purporting to be from HMRC and calling for some form of action primarily focused on extracting client’s bank details. As such, we are providing this extract from the HMRC and the Which website in order to maximise coverage for both client’s and all individuals.
The site addresses are:
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-the-hmrc-tax-phone-scam
If in any doubt about bogus HMRC calls, please CONTACT US.
How will HMRC contact me?
It is important to note that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will never ask for your bank account details, personal information or send you notifications by email or text for:
- tax rebates
- refunds
- personal or payment information
HMRC has told Which? it does call people about outstanding tax bills, and sometimes uses automated messages, but it will always include your taxpayer reference number.
It says it will never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email or text message.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) scams
Email scams
HMRC is aware of a phishing campaign telling customers they can claim a tax refund to help protect themselves from the coronavirus outbreak.
Do not reply to the email and do not open any links in the message.
SMS scams
‘Goodwill payment’ SMS
HMRC is aware of coronavirus SMS scams telling customers they can claim a ‘goodwill payment’. Do not reply to the SMS and do not open any links in the message.
Tax refund and rebate scams
Email addresses
HMRC will never send notifications by email about tax rebates or refunds.
Do not:
- visit the website
- 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.
Text messages
HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.
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 phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete it.
Bogus 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 one to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. We can confirm this is a scam and you should end the call immediately.
This scam has been widely reported and often targets elderly and vulnerable people.
Other scam calls may offer a tax refund and request you to provide your bank or credit card information. If you cannot verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.
If you’ve been a victim of the scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud.
The calls use a variety of phone numbers. To help our investigations you should report full details of the scam by email to: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, including 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 any 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 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 identify of the 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 advertising their services. They offer to apply to HMRC for a tax rebate 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.
If in any doubt about bogus HMRC calls, please CONTACT US.