HMRC urges people to be aware and vigilant of fraudster texts and emails

HMRC is urging people to stay vigilant and aware of fraudsters who are using emails and text messages to con people out of their money.

Tricksters are sending messages that promise tax rebates to trick people into giving out their banking and personal details.

HMRC advises customers to:

Recognise the signs – Banks and HMRC will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, password or bank details

Stay safe – Do not give out private information, reply to text messages, download attachments or click on links in emails you weren’t expecting

Take action – Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and texts to 60599, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report any suspicious calls or use its online fraud reporting tool

Check gov.uk for information on how to avoid and report scams and recognise genuine HMRC contact

If you think you have received an HMRC-related phishing/bogus email or text message, you can check it against the examples shown in this guide.

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