HMRC Scams: How To Know What’s The Real Deal
Written by Vikki Bourner, on 23 Jan, 2025. Last updated 23 Jan, 2025How HMRC scams are duping millions in the UK
Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, making HMRC scams one of the most prevalent threats to the UK public. In February 2024, HMRC reported that it had responded to 207,800 referrals from the public in respect of suspicious contact in the past year. In contrast, these figures were up 14% from the 181,873 reported for the previous 12 months. These scams often con victims out of their hard-earned money. Criminals employ every trick in the book, from phone calls to emails and letters, to pose as HM Revenue and Customs. So, how can you spot the red flags and protect yourself from becoming a victim?
In this guide, we explain the types of HMRC scams, share real-life examples, and provide actionable steps to help you stay safe from fraudsters.
What are HMRC scams?
HMRC scams are fraudulent attempts by criminals to impersonate HM Revenue and Customs to steal your money or personal information. These scams come in many forms, including:
- Phone scams: Criminals use automated messages or live calls, falsely claiming you owe taxes or have a tax refund waiting.
- Email scams: Phishing emails direct you to fake HMRC websites to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
- Postal scams: Fraudulent letters, designed to look official, demand immediate payment or threaten legal action.
Examples of reported HMRC scam attempts
Here are real-life reports from Phonely’s Who Called Me platform. This tool is invaluable in helping users identify and report suspicious calls, highlighting Phonely’s dedication to safeguarding individuals against fraud:
- 07589561126: A pre-recorded message began, “We have sent you an official letter & you have not responded.”
- 07949904525: Claimed an HMRC letter was ignored and threatened legal action if payment wasn’t made.
- 07918209794: A recorded voice said a letter I sent HMRC was rejected and action would be taken against me. I hung up!
- 07980897894: A call told me to contact HMRC by calling a number provided. I hung up because it sounded like an American accent.
- 07836911233: A scam using an American recorded voice threatened HMRC legal action and asked to press 1 to connect. The call disconnected after 6 minutes. Calling back revealed it was a premium number.
- 0203 866 4882: Pretended to be from HMRC and threatening legal action.
- 07898832048: A robotic voice claimed to be from HMRC issuing a fine. I blocked the number.
- 07814719866: A silent automated call waited for me to speak, then played a message about “legal action initiated.”
- 07303460557: Pretended to be HMRC, accusing me of tax evasion and threatening arrest.
- 07759754831: Claimed mail to my address was returned and legal action was imminent. Pressing 1 would connect me to someone.
How to identify HMRC scams
Spotting the difference between genuine and fake HMRC contact can save you from financial loss. Here are the key red flags to watch out for:
Phone calls
- Red flags:
- Automated messages or robocalls.
- Threats of legal action or arrest.
- Requests for immediate payment over the phone.
- What’s real: HMRC will never call you out of the blue demanding money or threatening arrest. They’ll also never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or premium-rate numbers.
Emails
- Red flags:
- Generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
- Poor grammar or spelling errors.
- Links to unofficial websites.
- What’s real: HMRC emails will always address you by your full name and will not include threats. You can verify an HMRC email address by checking it against the official contact list on gov.uk.
Letters
- Red flags:
- Demands for immediate payment without providing detailed tax calculations.
- Threats of enforcement actions without prior communication.
- What’s real: HMRC letters will include your taxpayer reference number and official contact details. If in doubt, call HMRC directly using the contact number on their website.
Spotting the difference between genuine and fake HMRC contact is crucial. Falling for scams doesn’t only harm you financially—it can severely affect your mental health, leading to anxiety, stress, and even depression, according to Age UK. These impacts highlight the importance of staying vigilant.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Becoming a victim of an HMRC scam (or any scam) can be distressing. By taking these steps, you can minimise damage and prevent further fraud:
- Report the scam:
- Contact Action Fraud immediately.
- Forward phishing emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- Send scam texts to 60599, HMRC’s dedicated text reporting service.
- Secure your accounts:
- Change passwords for compromised accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Inform your bank:
- Report the incident to your bank to prevent unauthorised transactions.
- Request help recovering any lost funds.
- Block and report the scammer:
- Use Phonely’s auto call blocking to prevent future scam calls.
- Report the scam number on Phonely’s Who Called Me platform.
It’s also advisable to seek support if you’ve been a victim of a scam. It can be stressful, traumatic and a lot to deal with on your own. Visit the Victim Support free service for more information.
Why current call blockers fail to protect
Traditional call blockers fail to protect users from scams such as the HMRC scam due to delayed updates. Providers use systems that often rely on monthly updates from 3rd parties to identify and block new scam numbers. Consequently, by the time these updates are made, fraudsters have moved to new numbers, leaving customers exposed.
How Phonely’s auto call blocker is different
Phonely’s auto call blocking technology is a game-changer in scam prevention, offering unparalleled protection through:
- Real-time updates: Unlike traditional blockers, Phonely continuously updates its database, ensuring even the newest scam numbers are blocked immediately.
- Integration with the Who Called Me platform: Every scam reported strengthens protection for all Phonely customers as it is automatically blocked within the hour.
- Community database: Commonly blocked numbers by Phonely customers are also blocked from calling the Phonely community.
Best of all, Phonely’s auto call blocking feature is included free with any Phonely plan, making scam protection accessible to everyone.
HMRC scam FAQs
How do I know if HMRC contact is genuine?
HMRC will never demand immediate payment or threaten legal action over the phone. Verify any contact through gov.uk.
Do HMRC ever contact you by phone?
Yes, but usually after prior communication via post. They will never ask for sensitive information or payment over the phone.
How can I spot a fake letter from HMRC?
Check for a taxpayer reference number and official contact details. If unsure, confirm authenticity by contacting HMRC directly.
What happens if I’ve already shared my details?
Contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud. Secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
Conclusion
HMRC scams remain a significant threat in the UK, targeting individuals through calls, emails, and letters. These scams rely on fear tactics to manipulate victims, but understanding the warning signs—like automated calls, generic email greetings, and suspicious payment demands—can protect you from fraudsters.
To combat these scams, verify all suspicious communication, avoid sharing personal information with unknown contacts, and use tools like Phonely’s auto call blocking and CallGuard to shield yourself. Reporting scams to authorities like Action Fraud is essential to protect others and disrupt fraudulent operations.
By staying informed and proactive, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to HMRC scams. Protect yourself and your finances with Phonely’s advanced call-blocking technology.
