HMRC scam calls: how to tell if it is real

Fake calls pretending to be from HMRC are among the most common phone scams in the UK. They often use an automated voice that says you owe tax, that a warrant has been issued, or that legal action is about to be taken, and tell you to press 1 or call a number to avoid arrest.

Signs it is a scam

• A recorded voice threatens arrest, court action or a visit from bailiffs.
• You are told to pay immediately by gift card, bank transfer or bitcoin.
• You are asked for your National Insurance number, bank details or a one-time passcode.
• The caller says your National Insurance number has been “suspended”. It cannot be suspended.

What HMRC does

HMRC may contact you by phone, letter, text or email, but it does not threaten arrest over the phone, and it will not ask you to pay by gift cards. If you are unsure, hang up and ring HMRC using the number on gov.uk, or log in to your online tax account.

What to do

Do not call the number back. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and send suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. If you have already paid, contact your bank at once and report it to Report Fraud.