HMRC Tax Scams
Fake calls claiming you owe taxes or are due a refund. How to spot them and what to do.
Photo: Anthony on Unsplash
HMRC scam calls are one of the most common phone scams in the UK. You'll get a call, a voicemail, or sometimes a text claiming you owe unpaid tax and that legal action is being taken against you. Some go the other way and tell you you're owed a refund. Either way, the goal is the same: get your personal details or your money.
The real HMRC will never ring you out of the blue and threaten you with arrest. They won't ask for payment over the phone and they certainly won't demand gift cards or bank transfers. If you get one of these calls, hang up. Our guides below cover the most common HMRC scam scripts doing the rounds and what to do if you've already given out your details.
Fake HMRC Crypto Tax Scam Texts
Texts claiming to be from HMRC asking you to follow a link and complete a crypto declaration. Why they're landing now, what they look like, and how to check your position safely.
Customs Fee Scam Texts
Scam texts claiming you owe customs or import charges on a parcel. How these fake messages work, what real customs fees look like, and what to do if you get one.
HMRC Self Assessment Scam Texts
Fake texts claiming your Self Assessment tax return is late or you owe a penalty. How these scam messages work, what they look like, and what to do if you get one.
National Insurance Number Scam Calls
Automated calls claiming your National Insurance number has been compromised are a scam. How these calls work, what the criminals want, and what to do if you get one.
HMRC Tax Refund Scams
Criminals send fake HMRC texts and emails promising a tax refund. They steal your bank details. How to tell a real refund notice from a scam and what to do.
HMRC Tax Scam Calls
How fraudsters pretend to be HMRC and threaten arrest over fake tax debts, or offer bogus refunds to steal your details. How to spot them and what to do.
Top UK Phone Scams in 2026
HMRC, bank, tech support and investment scams currently hitting the UK. What they sound like and how to spot them.
Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers can make any number appear on your phone, including your bank's real one. How spoofing works, how to spot it, and what to do if your own number is being used.
Number Risk Temperature
Recently reported numbers related to this type of scam
Related Reported Numbers
Numbers reported for similar scam types: