Is this HMRC message real?

We built this from GOV.UK only. HMRC says a contact could be a scam if it rushes you, threatens you, is unexpected, asks for bank details, tells you to transfer money or offers a refund. It also keeps lists of the genuine texts, emails, calls and letters it sends.

• Texts. HMRC does text people, sometimes with a link to GOV.UK or webchat. It will never tell you about a rebate or ask for payment details by text. Genuine HMRC texts.
• Emails. Rebate or payment emails only come from an address ending in hmrc.gov.uk, and the sender name can be faked. Genuine HMRC emails.
• Calls. HMRC will never threaten arrest or leave a voicemail threatening legal action. Genuine HMRC calls.
• Letters and QR codes. Letters often are genuine. A genuine QR code usually goes to GOV.UK guidance and never to a page asking for personal details. Genuine HMRC letters and letters with QR codes.
• Social media and WhatsApp. HMRC never uses social media to offer a rebate or ask for personal or financial information. Identify tax scams.
• More than one method. HMRC sometimes writes first and then emails, calls or texts. Contact using more than one method.

The Child Benefit charge letters. GOV.UK says that from 6 July to 31 December 2026 HMRC may send a letter or text asking you to check if you need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, and it will not ask for personal or financial information. So a letter about it can be genuine. If you have one, our Child Benefit charge calculator shows what you might owe.

Report a scam. Forward texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete them. Report calls with HMRC's online service and fake social media accounts to branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk. Report suspicious HMRC contact. If you have already shared details or lost money, GOV.UK explains what to do. More examples: HMRC phishing examples.

How do you know if an HMRC text is real?

GOV.UK says HMRC does send some texts, and they may link to GOV.UK or HMRC webchat. HMRC will never tell you about a tax rebate by text or ask for personal or payment details by text. If a text does either, forward it to 60599 and delete it. Otherwise check by signing in to your HMRC online account rather than using the text.

Is this HMRC letter a scam?

Most HMRC letters are genuine, and GOV.UK keeps a list of recent ones, including letters with QR codes. A genuine QR code usually goes to guidance on GOV.UK and never to a page asking for personal details. If a letter threatens arrest, asks for gift cards or tells you to send details to an email address not ending in hmrc.gov.uk, it is not genuine.

Is the HMRC Child Benefit charge letter real?

It can be. GOV.UK says that from 6 July to 31 December 2026 HMRC may send a letter or text asking you to check whether you need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. HMRC says it will not ask for any personal or financial information. If you are unsure, check in your HMRC online account.

Does HMRC ever ask for bank details?

By text and social media, never, says GOV.UK. By email only from an address ending in hmrc.gov.uk, and fraudsters can fake the sender name. A few genuine letters ask for bank details on a paper form to pay a refund, so check the letter against the GOV.UK list first.

Will HMRC threaten you with arrest?

No. GOV.UK says HMRC will never threaten arrest or leave a voicemail threatening legal action. An automated call saying HMRC is filing a lawsuit and to press 1 to pay is a scam, so end the call.

Where do you report an HMRC scam?

Forward texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete them. Report calls with HMRC's online suspicious phone call service. Send details of fake social media accounts to branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk. If you have lost money, report it to Report Fraud.

What number should you call to check?

Use the number for the right service on the GOV.UK Contact HMRC page, never a number given in the message. Or sign in to your HMRC online account or the HMRC app, where genuine letters and messages also appear.