Tax Refund Scams: How to Spot a Fake HMRC Message

Tax refund scams are common, and they often spike around the end of the tax year. Fraudsters send texts, emails and messages claiming you are owed a refund, hoping you will hand over your bank or card details. This guide explains how to tell a genuine HMRC contact from a scam, and what to do if you are targeted.

How the scams work

A typical scam message says you are due a tax refund of a specific amount and asks you to click a link to claim it. The link leads to a fake page designed to look like HMRC or your bank, where you are asked for personal and financial details. Some scams ask for a small fee to release the refund. The goal is always to steal your information or money.

How to spot a fake

There are some reliable warning signs. Be suspicious of any message that does the following.

• Asks you to click a link to claim a refund, or asks for your bank, card or password details.
• Creates urgency, for example claiming the refund expires within hours or days.
• Comes by text or email out of the blue with a refund amount you were not expecting.
• Uses a slightly wrong sender address or web address, or generic greetings rather than your name.

What HMRC actually does

Genuine HMRC tax refunds are not arranged through random texts or emails with links asking for your details. Real refunds are usually paid into your account through your Personal Tax Account, adjusted through your tax code, or sent by cheque. HMRC will not ask for your PIN, password or full bank details by text or email.

What to do if you are targeted

If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or reply with personal details. You can forward suspicious texts to 60599 and suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete them. If you think you have been caught out and have shared bank details, contact your bank straight away.

Claiming a refund safely

The safe way to claim a refund is to go direct to HMRC, or to use a reputable, established service. TaxPro deals with HMRC on your behalf and will never ask you to pay an upfront fee to release a refund, because we work on a no win, no fee basis. If you are unsure whether you are owed anything, our tax rebate calculator is a safe place to start.

Frequently asked questions

Does HMRC text you about refunds?

Genuine refunds are not arranged through unexpected texts or emails with links asking for your bank or card details. Treat any such message with suspicion.

How do I report a tax scam?

Forward suspicious texts to 60599 and suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete the message.

I clicked a link and entered my details. What now?

Contact your bank immediately, change any shared passwords, and report it. Acting quickly limits the damage.

Is TaxPro safe to use?

Yes. We deal with HMRC for you and never ask for an upfront fee to release a refund. Our fee only applies once a refund is secured.

Stay safe and claim the right way

Scammers rely on urgency and fear. A genuine refund is never at risk if you take a moment to check.

Check what you are owed safely with TaxPro, on a no win, no fee basis.

This is a sensitive topic. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank and Action Fraud for support.