Guidance

Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine

Check a list of recent text messages from HMRC to help you decide if a text you've received is a scam.

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
Published
30 July 2021
Last updated
2 February 2024 — See all updates

If your text is not listed here check HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method.

Report suspicious phone calls, emails or texts to HMRC.

Links in text messages

HMRC does send text messages to some of our customers.

In the text message we might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat.

HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.

We advise you not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.

To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

Confirmation and update text messages

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm that we have received from you:

  • a claim
  • a form
  • other correspondence

Cost of Living Payments

On 9 February 2024, if you receive tax credits, HMRC may contact you by text message.

The text message will say the £299 Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically between 16 February to 22 February 2024.

Receiving the text message or having received a previous Cost of Living Payment does not guarantee eligibility for this one. Find out more about the Cost of Living Payment eligibility.

This text message will not:

  • include any links to websites
  • ask for personal or financial details
  • ask for a response

Online sales

HMRC will contact customers by text message who may have undeclared income from online sales. This is to remind you to:

  • notify HMRC of this income
  • make a voluntary disclosure

These messages do not:

  • ask for personal or financial information
  • include any links to websites

Survey after a call to HMRC or a compliance check

HMRC may send you an exit survey by text message if you have:

  • agreed to provide feedback after calling one of our contact centres
  • gone through a compliance check

This text message will not:

  • ask for personal or financial information
  • include any phone numbers
  • provide links to websites other than to the survey platform

Tax credits

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm and remind you about tax credit claim interview appointments.

We might also contact you by text message to ask you to call the Tax Credit Helpline to discuss your claim.

These text messages will not:

  • ask for personal or financial information
  • provide any links to websites

Other texts you should check

You can also check text messages listed in HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method.

Published 30 July 2021
Last updated 2 February 2024 + show all updates

  1. Information for Cost of Living Payments has been updated.

  2. Information has been added about Cost of Living Payments for tax credits customers.

  3. Added translation

  4. Added translation

  5. Information about when HMRC might send you a text message has been updated.

  6. Information has been added about Self Assessment tax checks.

  7. Information on 'Online sales' has been added. Information on 'Tax credits' has been updated to no longer say we will no longer ask you to call the tax credit helpline.

  8. Added translation

  9. Information about when HMRC might send you a text message if you call one of our helplines from a mobile phone, and what it might include has been added.

  10. Information on tax credits has been updated.

  11. Information on commercial drivers and online status checks has been added.

  12. Information about Child Benefit has been added.

  13. Information about tax credit renewals and Child Benefit has been added.

  14. Information about commercial drivers and online status checks has been added.

  15. HMRC appointment reminders section has been added.

  16. Added information on EU Settlement Scheme.

  17. Information on 'Post Office card accounts' and 'Self Assessment tax returns' has been added.

  18. Information about EU Settlement Scheme has been added.

  19. Added translation

  20. We have added that we may text you to ask if you've told us about a change of circumstances for a young person on your tax credit claim.

  21. Updated to show HMRC is using a new number to send text messages to customers.

  22. Added translation

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