Tax refund scams: spot a fake

HMRC never texts a refund link. The signs, the real process, and what to do if you clicked.

5min read. Reviewed by the Taxpro tax team.

On this page

In short

  • HMRC never sends a refund link by text, email or WhatsApp. Never.
  • Real refunds come by letter (a P800), through your personal tax account, or through an agent you chose.
  • Nobody legitimate asks for your Government Gateway password or card details to pay a refund.
  • Clicked one? Change your Gateway password, tell your bank, report it to HMRC.

What a scam looks like

  • A text saying you are due a refund with a link to claim within 24 hours.
  • An email from an address that is not gov.uk with an HMRC logo.
  • A call saying you owe tax and will be arrested unless you pay now.
  • A firm that asks for an upfront fee before any refund.
  • A request to sign a deed of assignment for your refunds. HMRC has not recognised assignments since 2023; a genuine agent uses a nomination you can cancel at any time.

The real process

  1. HMRC works out you overpaid and posts a P800 or Simple Assessment letter.
  2. You claim the money in your personal tax account, or HMRC sends a cheque.
  3. Or an agent you appointed files a claim, and HMRC pays the agent or you as agreed.

At no point does HMRC ask you to click a link in a message.

Checking a rebate company

Companies House number, named directors, real reviews, a fee that only applies after the refund, no request for your password. Ours: Tax Pro Group Limited, company number 15046741. How to choose a tax rebate company.

If you clicked

  • Change your Government Gateway password and turn on two-step verification.
  • Tell your bank if you entered card details.
  • Forward the text to 60599 or the email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
  • Report to Action Fraud.

Questions

Does Taxpro text customers?

We send claim updates and reminders by text, email and WhatsApp, never with a payment link, and we never ask for your Gateway password. Your specialist messages you in the app or on WhatsApp.

Is a P800 letter always real?

Check it in your personal tax account before acting. Never call a number printed only on the letter.

Check my rebate

Not ready to claim today?We'll email you this guide and one reminder before the 5 April deadline, when the oldest tax year drops off. Nothing else.
Sent. Check your inbox.The guide is on its way. When you're ready, the check takes 60 seconds.
Check my rebate
That did not send. Please try again in a moment.
By sending you agree to our privacy notice. Unsubscribe in one tap.

This guide is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Figures use HMRC rates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. We are a paid tax agent and not HMRC.

Related guides

Am I owed a tax rebate? The PAYE guideThe five reasons most employed people overpay, and how to tell if one applies to you.
Work mileage tax rebateWhich journeys count, the 55p, 45p and 25p rates, and what your employer paying changes.
Tax refund scams: spot a fakeHMRC never texts a refund link. The signs, the real process, and what to do if you clicked.

Read enough? Check what you're owed.

Free check. No refund, no fee. Average refund £2,972.

Check my rebate
Trustpilot
Taxpro

We are a paid tax agent acting on your behalf. We are not HMRC.

Claims are submitted to HMRC under Self Assessment. You can claim directly from HMRC for free at gov.uk.

Tax Pro Group Limited is registered in England and Wales, company number 15046741. Registered office: Ground Floor, 3 Mary Ann Street, Birmingham B3 1BG. VAT number GB450637596. Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, registration number ZB697382. Registered with HMRC for anti-money laundering supervision, registration number XAML00000208483. HMRC agent reference CARN 005 1906. We are not authorised or regulated by the FCA; we do not provide financial advice.

We use essential cookies to run the site, and analytics and advertising cookies only if you say yes. How we use cookies