HMRC issues a new scam warning as reports rise
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Newsletter issue – September 2026
HMRC is alerting taxpayers to a rise in fraudulent messages impersonating the tax authority. It says it is receiving increased reports of scam emails claiming people are due a Self-Assessment tax refund for 2024-25. These emails pressure recipients to act urgently and provide personal or bank details.
HMRC stresses it will never send an email with an urgent deadline to claim a tax refund. To check a legitimate refund, taxpayers should log in securely via GOV.UK or the HMRC app. HMRC urges people to stop and think before sharing information or opening links/attachments in unexpected messages.
If unsure, do not click anything and report the message to HMRC. GOV.UK provides a list of genuine HMRC contact details to help verify messages.
Suspicious phone calls can be reported through HMRC's online service (requires email or sign-in).
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to 60599 (network charges apply). HMRC will never notify you of a tax rebate or request personal/payment details by text message.
Suspicious emails can be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then deleted to avoid accidental clicks.