Email addresses
HMRC will never send notifications by email about tax rebates or refunds.
Do not:
Visit the website
Open any attachments
Disclose any personal or payment information
A selection of email addresses used to distribute the tax rebate scam emails are below:
service.refund@hmrc.gov
secure@hmrc.co.uk
taxrefund-notice@hmrc.gov.uk
taxrefund@hmrc.gov.uk
refund-help@hmrc.gov.uk
refund.alert@hmrc.gov.uk
refunds@hmrc.gov.uk
rebate@hmrc.gov.uk
HM-Revenue-&-Customs@ztoro.com
Text messages
HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.
Do not reply if you get a text message claiming to be from HMRC offering you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details. Do not open any links in the message.
Send any phishing text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk then delete it.
Tax rebate scams containing PDF attachments
HMRC is aware of a phishing campaign telling customers they need to ‘download a PDF attachment’ to get a tax refund.
The PDF attachment contains a link to a phishing site asking for personal or financial information.
Do not reply to the email or download the attachment.
Email it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it.
Bogus phone calls
HMRC is aware of an automated phone call scam which will tell you HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you, and to press one to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. We can confirm this is a scam and you should end the call immediately.
This scam has been widely reported and often targets elderly and vulnerable people.
Other scam calls may offer a tax refund and request you to provide your bank or credit card information. If you cannot verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.
If you’ve been a victim of the scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud.
The calls use a variety of phone numbers. To help our investigations you should report full details of the scam by email to: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk, including the:
1. Date of the call
2. Phone number used
3. Content of the call
Social media scams
HMRC is aware of direct messages sent to customers through social media.
A recent scam was identified on Twitter offering a tax refund.
These messages are not from genuine HMRC social media accounts and are a scam. We never use social media to:
Offer a tax rebate
Request personal or financial information
If you cannot verify the identify of the social media account, send the details by email to: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and ignore it.
Refund companies
HMRC is aware of companies that send emails or texts advertising their services. They offer to apply to HMRC for a tax rebate on your behalf, usually for a fee. These companies are not connected with HMRC in any way.
You should read the ‘small print’ and disclaimers before using their services.
Export clearance process (delivery stop order) emails
Emails which claim that goods have been withheld by customs and need a payment before release are known as ‘419 scams’.
HMRC is aware that customers have received emails asking for personal and financial information or upfront payments in exchange for the fictitious items:
lottery winnings or prize money,
including lottery winnings
seized goods or packages (held by customs and excise)certificates or bonds
inheritance payments
Request to complete NRL1 forms and return by fax
Lettings agents and landlords living abroad are being targeted by a series of scams asking for:
completion of a form NRL1 (by email, letter or fax)
personal information
These forms may be called either:
‘Application for Withholding Certificate for Dispositions by Foreign Persons of UK Real Property Interests’
‘Application for a tax-free account and to receive rental income without deduction of tax for Non-UK Residents’
They are not sent by HMRC and should not be completed.
HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal information by email or fax.