HMRC issues a new scam warning as reports rise

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.