In recent years, there has been a significant rise in HMRC-related scams. These scams can come in the form of emails, phone calls, text messages, and even social media messages, all designed to trick individuals and businesses into revealing sensitive information or making fraudulent payments.
At Walden Way & Co, we are committed to keeping our clients informed and protected. That’s why we are sharing the latest HMRC guidance on how to spot and report these scams effectively.
Common Types of HMRC Scams
1. Phone Calls Claiming Tax Refunds or Threatening Legal Action
Scammers often call pretending to be from HMRC, claiming:
- You are owed a tax rebate.
- You owe tax and will be arrested or face legal action unless you pay immediately.
Warning Sign: HMRC will never threaten arrest or demand immediate payment via phone.
2. Fake Emails and Text Messages
Fraudulent messages may claim:
- You are due a tax refund.
- There’s an issue with your National Insurance number or tax return.
- You need to update your personal or banking information.
Look Out For:
- Poor grammar or spelling.
- Unofficial email addresses (e.g., ending in @gmail.com).
- Links to suspicious websites.
3. Social Media Messages
Some scammers now target users via social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp, pretending to be HMRC and offering tax refunds or requesting personal data.
Important: HMRC does not use social media to contact individuals about tax matters.
How to Confirm if a Message is Genuine
HMRC has published a comprehensive list of genuine communications they may send, including how and when they might contact you.
Tip: If in doubt, do not click on any links or provide personal information. Instead, visit the official HMRC contact page to verify.
What You Should Do If You Receive a Suspected Scam
- Email Scams: Forward suspicious emails to: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Text Messages: Forward texts to 60599
- Phone Calls: Report suspicious calls via the HMRC online form
HMRC uses this data to take down scam websites and prosecute fraudsters.
Walden Way & Co Advice for Clients
We strongly encourage all our clients to:
- Stay vigilant and educate your teams about these scams.
- Regularly review your security settings.
- Use verified HMRC channels for tax matters.
- Never share passwords, PINs, or full banking details via email or text.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but awareness is your best defense. If you’re ever unsure about a message claiming to be from HMRC, contact Walden Way & Co or reach out to HMRC directly via their official website.
We’re here to help you stay compliant, informed, and secure.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-hmrc-related-scam-phone-calls-emails-and-text-messages
