HMRC scam calls have become an increasingly common tactic used by fraudsters to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial details. These scams often mimic official communication styles, making them appear genuine at first glance.
Criminals may even use cloned numbers to make their calls seem authentic. Falling victim to such scams can lead to serious consequences including identity theft and financial loss.
Understanding how these scams operate and recognising the warning signs is essential. This guide explains the risks, common techniques, and how to safeguard yourself against HMRC impersonation fraud.
What Exactly Are HMRC Scam Calls?
HMRC scam calls are fraudulent phone calls in which criminals pose as representatives from the UK tax authority to steal personal or financial information. They may claim you owe unpaid tax, are eligible for a refund, or face legal action unless you act immediately.
These calls often sound professional, using official-sounding language to create urgency. Scammers may spoof HMRC phone numbers so the call appears legitimate on caller ID. Victims are pressured to make immediate payments or provide sensitive details.
In reality, HMRC does not demand instant payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Genuine HMRC contact is usually preceded by official letters or secure messages through online accounts. Recognising these differences can help you avoid becoming a victim.
Will HMRC Call You from a Mobile Number?
It is highly unlikely that HMRC will call from a mobile number. Most official communication comes from fixed business lines, and any unexpected call from a mobile should be treated with caution.
Official HMRC Contact Methods
HMRC communicates with taxpayers through official channels such as secure online messages, letters, and registered phone lines. They may contact you by phone, but this will be in relation to matters you already know about.
Common HMRC Contact Channels
| Contact Method | Typical Use Case |
| Letter by Post | Tax notices, reminders, official updates |
| Secure Online Account | Messages about tax returns or payments |
| Fixed Landline Call | Clarifying tax return details |
| Official Email (hmrc.gov.uk) | Limited use for information only |
| Webchat on Official Site | Customer support on tax issues |
Red Flags When Receiving a Call from HMRC
Scammers rely on urgency and fear to extract details. Recognising warning signs can stop a scam in its tracks.
Key red flags include:
- Requests for immediate bank transfers or card payments
- Threats of arrest, legal action, or debt collection
- Calls out of the blue with no prior written notice
- Pressure to confirm personal or banking details
- Automated messages instructing you to press a number
Always verify a call by using the official HMRC contact information found on their website.
What Number Does HMRC Call You On?
HMRC uses a range of official numbers for different departments, all of which are listed on their government website. These numbers are usually landlines and begin with UK geographic codes or non-geographic service numbers.
Scammers often “spoof” these official numbers to trick recipients. This means the caller ID may show a genuine HMRC number, even though the call originates from elsewhere.
Because of this, simply recognising the number is not enough to confirm authenticity. It is best to end the call and independently verify the number before engaging.
What Personal Information Do Scammers Target?
Fraudsters aim to collect details that can be used for identity theft or unauthorised financial transactions.
They often seek:
- National Insurance numbers
- Bank account or card details
- Full name and date of birth
- Home address and email address
- Login credentials for online accounts
Once obtained, this information can be used to access bank accounts, apply for credit, or commit tax fraud in your name. Protecting these details is critical in preventing further harm.
How Do I Know If a Call from HMRC Is Genuine?
Receiving a call from someone claiming to be HMRC can be stressful, especially if the conversation feels urgent or threatening. Knowing the difference between a genuine call and a scam is essential to protect your personal and financial information
Signs of a Legitimate HMRC Call
Legitimate calls will be specific to your tax situation, often referencing recent correspondence or filed tax returns. The caller will not pressure you to make immediate payments without prior written notice.
HMRC Behaviours That Indicate a Scam
HMRC will never request bank details over the phone for an immediate refund or demand payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency. They also do not threaten arrest or lawsuits during a phone call. If you experience any of these behaviours, the call is not genuine.
If you’re ever unsure about the authenticity of an HMRC call, hang up immediately and contact HMRC directly using the official phone numbers listed on GOV.UK. Verifying first is always safer than taking a risk.
What Is the “Press 1” HMRC Scam Call?
The “Press 1” HMRC scam call is a fraudulent automated message designed to create panic. It falsely claims that HMRC is taking legal action against you and instructs you to press a number, usually “1”, to speak to a so-called “caseworker.”
Once connected, the scammer may attempt to pressure you into making immediate payments or revealing sensitive personal information, such as your bank details or National Insurance number.
Falling for this scam can lead to significant risks, including financial loss, identity theft, and exposure to further targeted fraud attempts. These calls often use urgent and threatening language to force quick decisions, making them highly deceptive.
Importantly, HMRC will never ask you to press a number during an automated message to resolve a legal issue. Any such request is a clear sign of a scam
What Should You Do If You Receive a Suspicious HMRC Call?
If you receive a call that feels suspicious or unexpected, the most important thing is to stay calm and avoid engaging with the caller’s demands. Scammers often try to rush you into making quick decisions, so taking a moment to think can prevent mistakes.
Immediate steps:
- Politely end the call without providing any personal or financial details
- Check the official HMRC website for genuine contact numbers and call back using those
- If you have doubts, contact HMRC directly through a secure channel such as your online account
Additional precautions:
- Keep a written record of the phone number, caller’s name (if given), and details of the conversation
- Never click links or open attachments sent via follow-up text or email from the same source
- Inform your bank immediately if you suspect financial information may have been compromised
- Share the experience with friends or family so they remain aware of similar scams
Quick and decisive action can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss or identity theft.
How to Report HMRC Scam Calls?
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from HMRC, it’s important to report it promptly. Swift action not only protects you but also helps authorities track and dismantle scam operations.
Below are the main ways to report HMRC scam calls and the key details you should include in your report.
Reporting to HMRC’s Phishing Team
Forward suspicious emails or write to the phishing team with full call details, including the phone number, date, and time of the call. The more information provided, the easier it is for HMRC to track and shut down these operations.
Using the Online Reporting Form
HMRC’s secure online form allows you to submit reports quickly. This is particularly useful if you receive repeated scam calls or encounter suspicious automated messages.
Contacting Action Fraud
For cases involving financial loss, contact the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. They can provide a crime reference number and may advise on further protection steps.
Report details should include:
- The exact phone number used
- The time and date the call was received
- The full script or main points of what was said
- Whether the caller made threats or demanded urgent payment
Providing thorough and accurate reports helps authorities close down scam networks more effectively.
How to Protect Yourself from HMRC Impersonation Fraud?
Scammers are constantly adapting their methods, so staying informed and cautious is essential. Prevention should focus on controlling access to your personal details and being alert to suspicious approaches.
Practical safety measures include:
- Never sharing personal details with unknown or unverified callers
- Using only official HMRC channels for correspondence
- Keeping your computer, phone, and security software updated
- Treating all unsolicited messages containing links or attachments with suspicion
- Educating family members, especially the elderly, about current scam tactics
When you are alert to how these scams operate, you are far less likely to become a target. Vigilance and consistent security habits form the strongest defence.
What If You’ve Already Shared Personal or Financial Details?
If you have accidentally provided sensitive information to a scammer, swift action is essential to prevent further damage. The longer the delay, the greater the risk of misuse.
Actions to take immediately:
- Contact your bank or credit card provider to freeze or monitor your accounts
- Notify HMRC so they can add a security alert to your tax records
- Change passwords for any affected accounts and use strong, unique ones
- Keep an eye on your credit report for any unfamiliar activity
These steps will not reverse what has been shared, but they can limit the harm and reduce the chance of further fraud.
Conclusion
HMRC scam calls are increasingly sophisticated, but knowing the signs and acting swiftly can prevent you from becoming a victim. Always verify unexpected contact, never provide personal details on demand, and report any suspicious communication to the appropriate channels.
Awareness is your strongest defence against fraudsters who rely on fear and urgency. By following the correct procedures, you not only protect yourself but also help authorities disrupt criminal activities targeting others.
FAQs About HMRC Scam Calls
Can HMRC contact me on social media?
HMRC does not use social media to request personal or financial information. Any such message should be reported immediately.
Are HMRC scam calls common during tax return season?
Yes, scams often increase during tax deadlines as fraudsters exploit public attention on tax matters.
What should I do if I accidentally gave my details to a scammer?
Contact your bank, change passwords, and inform HMRC to help protect your accounts.
How long does HMRC take to respond after I report a scam?
Response times vary, but reports are reviewed promptly to protect taxpayers.
Is it safe to call HMRC back using the number from a voicemail?
No, always confirm the number on the official HMRC website before returning calls.
Can scammers use my National Insurance number if they have it?
Yes, they can commit identity theft, so you should alert HMRC if this happens.
Are there penalties for ignoring a real HMRC call?
If it is genuine, HMRC will follow up through other official channels before any penalties.
