HMRC and tax scams
HMRC arrest threats, fake tax refunds, National Insurance suspensions, self-assessment 'late penalty' calls. Real HMRC numbers are in the 0300 family.
- Pinned
HMRC arrest-warrant robocall — press 1 — SCAM
by WCL Editorial (Editor) · 2 replies · last activity 2 months ago
- 01249914817
Scammer call
by Chippenham, England · 0 replies · last activity 18 days ago
Self-assessment 'late penalty' call — they had my NI number
by Liam B. · 1 reply · last activity 2 months ago
Tax refund text from 'HMRC' — link looked very legit
by WCL Editorial (Editor) · 1 reply · last activity 2 months ago
What to look for in this category
HMRC scams are mostly automated robocalls telling you an arrest warrant has been issued for unpaid tax, or that a tax refund is waiting and you need to press 1. HMRC’s real fraud line never threatens immediate arrest, never demands payment in vouchers or cryptocurrency, and never offers a refund by phone or SMS.
Tell-tale signs
- Pre-recorded voice (often robotic) rather than a human caller
- Mentions HMRC, “HM Revenue”, or a National Insurance number
- Asks you to press 1 / 2 to “speak with an officer”
- Demands payment in iTunes vouchers, Amazon vouchers or Bitcoin
- SMS contains a shortened link (bit.ly / tinyurl) claiming a refund
What to do right now
Hang up. Do not press any key — pressing 1 confirms a live line and gets you onto further dialler lists. Verify directly at gov.uk/hmrc by typing the address into your browser, not by tapping a link.
Where to report it
Forward suspect HMRC texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Suspect calls go to Action Fraud or the local police 101 line.
Guidance is general — not legal or financial advice. If you have lost money, contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland on 101).