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criticalSMS & Text Scams2 min read

HMRC Tax Refund Text Message — UK Smishing Scam Warning

You received a text claiming to be from HMRC saying you are owed a tax rebate and need to claim it via a link. HMRC will never text you a link to enter your bank details or personal information. This is one of the most commonly reported text scams in the UK, especially around tax season.

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How This Scam Works

Note: This scam typically arrives via text message, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For text scams, report to Action Fraud — see all reporting agencies.

You receive a text claiming to be from HMRC saying you are owed a tax rebate and need to claim it via a link. The link leads to a fake HMRC website that requests your bank details, National Insurance number, and personal information. This scam peaks around Self Assessment deadlines and the end of the tax year.

According to HMRC, they received over 130,000 referrals of suspicious communications in the year ending March 2024, with smishing (text message phishing) being one of the most common methods.

Red Flags

  • Text claims you are owed a tax refund — HMRC does not text refund links
  • Includes a link to a non-.gov.uk website
  • Asks for bank details or National Insurance number
  • Creates urgency about a deadline to claim
  • May appear around tax season or Self Assessment deadlines

What You Should Do

What To Do

  • Do not tap the link
  • Check your tax status at gov.uk/personal-tax-account directly
  • Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599
  • Report to Action Fraud
  • Report phishing to HMRC through their official phishing page at gov.uk

Sources

Report this scam

Report in the UKAction Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk0300 123 2040
HMRC Tax Refund Text Message — UK Smishing Scam Warning | Scam Support