Government Impersonation6 min read12 June 2026
HMRC Scam Calls and Texts: What They Sound Like and How to Stay Safe
Fraudsters impersonating HMRC threaten victims with arrest, court action, or tax debt. This guide explains the warning signs and how to verify if an HMRC contact is genuine.
HMRC impersonation scams are among the most frightening types of fraud because they exploit fear of legal consequences. Victims receive calls, texts, or emails claiming they owe unpaid tax, face imminent arrest, or have committed tax fraud — and they must pay immediately or face serious consequences. In reality, HMRC will never contact you this way.
How HMRC Scam Calls Work
The typical HMRC phone scam uses a pre-recorded robocall that says something like: "This is an urgent message from HMRC. A lawsuit has been filed against you for tax evasion. Press 1 to speak to an officer immediately." If you press 1, you are connected to a fraudster posing as an HMRC officer who will demand immediate payment via bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
HMRC Scam Text Messages
Text message variants typically claim you are owed a tax refund or must verify your details to avoid a penalty. They include a link to a convincing fake HMRC website. Common examples:
- "HMRC: You are owed a £312.50 tax refund. Claim here: [link]"
- "HMRC URGENT: Your tax record shows an outstanding balance. Failure to pay may result in legal action."
- "HMRC: We were unable to process your last tax return. Verify your details to avoid a fine."
How to Tell Real HMRC Contact from a Scam
| Real HMRC | Scam |
|---|---|
| Sends letters by post for serious matters | Demands immediate action by phone or text |
| Never demands gift card or crypto payment | Insists on untraceable payment methods |
| Gives you time to seek advice | Creates extreme urgency ("arrest in 2 hours") |
| Can be verified at gov.uk/contact-hmrc | Provides no verifiable contact details |
What to Do
If you receive a suspicious HMRC call, hang up. If you receive a suspicious text or email, do not click any links. You can report suspicious HMRC contact to HMRC's phishing team at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, or forward texts to 60599. If you have lost money, contact your bank and report the incident through Report Fraud.
Received a suspicious HMRC text or call? Paste the number or link into ScammersCheck for an instant verdict.
Check anything suspicious instantly
Paste a phone number, URL, email address, or suspicious message — get an input-aware risk indicator with transparent evidence and limitations. No signup required.
Check Now — It's Free