{"id":1400,"date":"2025-12-17T14:22:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T16:58:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T16:58:23","slug":"hmrc-scam-email","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/","title":{"rendered":"HMRC scam surge ahead of Self Assessment deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC have revealed more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025. These scams often involve fake emails, texts, or phone calls offering a tax refund or threatening arrest to steal your personal or financial information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC is warning small business owners to be vigilant for scams, especially as the Self Assessment deadline approaches. With nearly more than 135,500 HMRC scams reported in the last 10 months, it\u2019s crucial to know how to identify and report them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how\">How can you spot a fake HMRC scam?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#email\">How do you know if an HMRC email is genuine?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#phone\">Will HMRC ever call you on the phone?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#text\">Can you get an HMRC scam by text message?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#report\">How do you report an HMRC scam?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#faqs\">HMRC scams FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-3-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-aspect-ratio\" style=\"min-height:234px;aspect-ratio:1;min-height:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-26951\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-02.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-02.png 300w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-02.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-02.png?resize=96,96 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#2a1e81\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-max-massive-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">135k<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">scams reported<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-aspect-ratio\" style=\"min-height:234px;aspect-ratio:1;min-height:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-26949\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-01.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-01.png 300w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-01.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-01.png?resize=96,96 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#4632d8\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-max-massive-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">29k<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">fake tax refund claims<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light has-aspect-ratio\" style=\"min-height:234px;aspect-ratio:1;min-height:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-26952\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-03.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-03.png 300w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-03.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Circles-03.png?resize=96,96 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#b5adef\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-max-massive-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">25k<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">fake websites and phone numbers removed<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How can you spot a fake HMRC scam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can spot a fake HMRC scam by looking for several key warning signs. Scammers often use generic greetings, create a false sense of urgency, include suspicious links or attachments, and use email addresses that look official but aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A genuine HMRC email will always come from an address ending in @hmrc.gov.uk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are five common signs of an HMRC scam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Fake HMRC email address:<\/strong> fraudsters use email addresses that seem official \u2013 including words like &#8216;Revenue&#8217; or &#8216;HMRC&#8217;. Always hover over the sender&#8217;s address to reveal the true source, which won&#8217;t end in @hmrc.gov.uk if it\u2019s a scam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Tax rebate offers:<\/strong> HMRC will never notify you of a tax rebate or refund over email. Any unsolicited email offering a tax refund scam is fraudulent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Urgent requests:<\/strong> scammers often pressure you with phrases like \u2018urgent action required\u2019 or \u2018you only have three days to respond\u2019. HMRC rarely demands immediate action without prior notice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Suspicious links and attachments:<\/strong> never click links or open attachments in unexpected emails. These can lead to fake websites designed to steal your details or install viruses on your computer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Generic greetings:<\/strong> be wary of emails that start with \u2018Dear customer\u2019 or \u2018Hello\u2019 instead of your name. HMRC will typically address you personally in their communications.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"email\"><strong>How do you know if an HMRC email is genuine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A genuine HMRC email will never ask for personal or financial information like your bank details or passwords. While HMRC does email taxpayers, it&#8217;s usually for specific, non-sensitive reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genuine emails from HMRC may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">an alert that your annual tax summary is ready<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">confirmation after you sign up for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"38240\">Making Tax Digital (MTD)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">promotional information about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/personal-tax-account\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1495\">personal tax account<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">reminders about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/vat-registration-threshold-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1556\">VAT returns<\/a> or registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">informational guides, links to webinars, or employer bulletins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/check-if-an-email-youve-received-from-hmrc-is-genuine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">full list of genuine HMRC communications<\/a> on the UK government website<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"phone\"><strong>Will HMRC ever call you on the phone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, HMRC may call you, but usually in specific situations like debt management or for pre-arranged research purposes. If you\u2019re behind on payments, you might receive a voice prompt on your landline or mobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, be cautious of unexpected calls. Scammers often use phone calls to create a sense of urgency and pressure you into sharing sensitive information. If you feel pressured, hang up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can always verify the call by finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/check-if-a-phone-call-youve-received-from-hmrc-is-genuine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">HMRC\u2019s official contact details<\/a> on the government website and calling them back directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text\"><strong>Can you get an HMRC scam by text message?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, scammers use text messages to target taxpayers. Like emails, a fraudulent HMRC scam text might offer a tax rebate or ask for personal details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC does send texts for legitimate reasons, such as requesting payment for overdue returns or asking you to update your contact details. However, these texts will direct you to the government website or ask you to call an official HMRC number. They will never ask for your bank details in a text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC might also text you about tax credits, surveys, and other claims \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/check-if-a-text-message-youve-received-from-hmrc-is-genuine\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">see the full list of text contacts here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"report\"><strong>How do you report an HMRC scam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you receive a suspicious email, text, or call, you should report it to HMRC immediately. Reporting scams helps HMRC and other organisations track and stop fraudsters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>to report a phishing email: <\/strong>forward the suspicious email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>to report a scam text message:<\/strong> forward the text to <strong>60599<\/strong> (this is a free service)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>to report a scam phone call:<\/strong> report the incident using HMRC\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/hm-revenue-customs\/contact\/reporting-fraudulent-emails\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> online form<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve accidentally shared personal or financial details, contact your bank and other relevant financial institutions immediately. You can also get help from ActionFraud and Citizens Advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\"><strong>HMRC scams FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-phishing-email\"><strong>What is a phishing email?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A phishing email is a type of scam where fraudsters send fake emails pretending to be from a legitimate organisation, like HMRC, to trick you into revealing personal information such as passwords and bank details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-will-hmrc-send-a-tax-refund-by-email\"><strong>Will HMRC send a tax refund by email?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, HMRC will never send a notification of a tax refund or rebate by email. Any email you receive claiming to offer a tax refund is a scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-should-i-do-if-i-ve-already-clicked-a-link-in-an-hmrc-scam-email\"><strong>What should I do if I\u2019ve already clicked a link in an HMRC scam email?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve clicked a link or provided personal details, you should contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts. You should also run a virus scan on your computer and report the incident to ActionFraud.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Useful small business guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tech\/best-payroll-software-for-small-businesses-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"858\">Best payroll software for small businesses in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\">How to register as self-employed with HMRC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/tax-year-dates\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"33010\">Tax dates for the self-employed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-is-business-insurance\/\">What is business insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"readytosetupyourcover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s how small business owners can easily spot HMRC scam emails, calls, or texts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":25075,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[344,348,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1400","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-tax","category-self-assessment","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to spot an HMRC scam: your 2026 guide to protection<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Worried about a tax refund scam or fake HMRC email? Learn how to spot the signs of an HMRC scam and report phishing attempts to stay safe.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to spot an HMRC scam: top tips\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here&#039;s how small business owners can easily spot HMRC scam emails, calls, or texts.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-17T16:58:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/hmrc-scam-email-is-hmrc-contact-genuine.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"HMRC scam surge ahead of Self Assessment deadline\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Rosanna Parrish\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Rosanna Parrish\",\"description\":\"Rosanna Parrish is a Copywriter at Simply Business specialising in side hustles \u2013 as well as all things freelance, social media, and ecommerce. 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