Overview
- HM Revenue and Customs said it is receiving more reports of fake refund messages and issued a public scam alert on X.
- People who want to check a refund are told to sign in to HMRC online services on GOV.UK or use the HMRC app rather than follow links in unsolicited messages.
- HMRC’s red flags include messages that rush or threaten, arrive out of the blue, ask for bank details or a transfer, or dangle a refund, rebate or grant.
- Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 60599 and emails sent to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, while any financial loss can be reported to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or to Police Scotland on 101.
- HMRC says it will not leave voicemails threatening legal action or ask for payment by vouchers, it only sends one‑way updates via the UK Government WhatsApp channel, and any genuine QR code will not lead to a page that asks for personal data.