HMRC scam texts: tax refund messages and where to report them
HMRC does text some customers, which is exactly why fake HMRC texts work. HMRC's own guidance says what a real one contains and where to send a fake.
What HMRC says about its texts
HMRC says it sends text messages to some customers and may include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat. It advises not to open any links in, or reply to, a text claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.
HMRC also says it will only ever email you about a tax rebate, or ask for personal or payment information, from an address ending in hmrc.gov.uk, and that fraudsters may spoof a genuine address. A link to anything other than a gov.uk address in an "HMRC" text is a strong warning sign.
Where to report a fake HMRC text
- Forward it to 60599 (network charges apply), or email it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete it.
- You can also forward it to 7726, the general scam text number.
- If you gave bank details, call your bank and report it to Report Fraud.
The scam text checker flags tax refund wording and links that borrow "hmrc" or "gov" on a domain that is not gov.uk.
Sources
- HMRC: HMRC (GOV.UK), Examples of phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts: "We advise you not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details." — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples, read on 2026-09-29
- HMRC 60599: HMRC (GOV.UK), Examples of phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts, updated 15 Dec 2025: "you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them." — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples, read on 2026-09-29
- NCSC, forwarding to 7726: NCSC, Report a scam text: "Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726. If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it's found to be malicious." — https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-text-message, read on 2026-09-29
Frequently asked questions
- Does HMRC text about tax refunds?
- HMRC advises not to open links or reply to texts claiming to be from HMRC that offer a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.
- What number do I forward HMRC scam texts to?
- 60599 (network charges apply), or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
More guides
- Why do I keep getting loan texts, and how do I stop them?
The UK rules on marketing texts, what the ICO fined a loan-text firm for in 2026, and the steps that make the texts stop: don't reply, 7726, ICO.
- How to forward a scam text to 7726 (iPhone and Android)
Step by step for iPhone and Android, from the NCSC: what 7726 does with your report, what it costs, and what to do if 7726 does not work.
- Parcel delivery scam texts: missed delivery and redelivery fees
The missed-delivery texts Royal Mail has published as scams: a small fee, a shortened link, a lookalike site. How to check a parcel safely.
- Texts pretending to be your bank: how to check them
What your bank will never ask by message, the Take Five steps (Stop, Challenge, Protect), and what to do straight away if you replied.
Last updated 2026-09-29. Independent information service. Number data from Ofcom shows the original range holder; numbers can be ported or spoofed. Not affiliated with Ofcom, the FCA, the ICO or any police service.