Do HMRC Call You?
The rise of scam phone calls, where fraudsters impersonate HMRC officials, has become a significant concern for taxpayers. Here’s how you can stay safe and differentiate between genuine HMRC communications and scams.
Scam phone calls posing as HMRC officials are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated. By understanding the tactics used by scammers and knowing how HMRC genuinely communicates, you can protect yourself from these fraudulent activities.
Always verify any unsolicited communication claiming to be from HMRC and report any suspicious activity to help combat these scams. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and safeguard your personal and financial information.
These scammers are increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for individuals to be able to identify and protect themselves from fraudulent activities. Here’s how you can stay safe and differentiate between genuine HMRC communications and scams.
How HMRC Contacts You
Official Channels: HMRC typically contacts taxpayers through official letters, their secure online services, or via the official HMRC app. While they may sometimes call, they will never use aggressive tactics or ask for sensitive personal information such as passwords or bank details over the phone.
Verification: If you receive a call claiming to be from HMRC, ask for the caller’s name, department, and a contact number. Verify these details by contacting HMRC directly using numbers provided on their official website.
Identifying Scam Calls
Caller ID and Numbers: Be cautious if you receive a call from a number that appears to be HMRC. Scammers can clone numbers to make it look like they are calling from an official source. Always verify by calling HMRC back using a known and verified number.
Personal Information Requests: HMRC will never ask for your full bank details, PIN, or passwords over the phone. If a caller requests such information, it is a red flag.
Immediate Payment Demands: Genuine HMRC calls will not demand immediate payment or threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers often use these tactics to pressure victims into making hasty decisions.
Payment Methods: Be wary if asked to make payments via unusual methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto currency. HMRC does not accept these forms of payment.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
Do Not Panic: Stay calm and do not provide any personal information or payment details. End the call immediately if you suspect it’s a scam.
Report the Call: Report the incident to HMRC using their official reporting methods. You can forward any suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or contact HMRC through their fraud helpline.
Check Your Records: Log in to your HMRC online account to check if there are any messages or notices regarding your tax affairs. Genuine communications from HMRC will be reflected in your online account.
Consult Trusted Sources: If in doubt, seek advice from a tax professional or contact HMRC directly through verified contact information.
Real-Life Examples of HMRC Scam Calls
The Tax Refund Scam: You receive a call stating that you are owed a tax refund and are asked to provide your bank details for the transfer. HMRC will never ask for bank details over the phone for a tax refund.
The Threatening Call: A scammer claims you owe a significant amount of tax and threatens legal action or arrest if immediate payment is not made. HMRC does not operate in this manner.
Verification of Details: The caller asks you to confirm personal details like your name, address, and National Insurance number. HMRC will not ask for detailed personal information in unsolicited calls.
How to Stay Informed and Vigilant
Stay Updated: Regularly visit the HMRC website for updates on current scams and fraud alerts.
Educate Yourself: Learn about common scam tactics and red flags to watch for. HMRC provides resources and advice on identifying and avoiding scams.
Share Information: Inform friends, family, and colleagues about these scams to help protect them from falling victim.
Will HMRC call me from a Mobile Number?
If you receive a phone call claiming to be from HMRC, you can verify its authenticity by checking recent phone contact announcements from HMRC. Here's how you can identify if a phone call from HMRC is genuine:
Recent HMRC Phone Contacts
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on Rental Property:
Date Range: From 15 April 2024 to 15 May 2024.
Purpose: To gather feedback on an email sent by HMRC on 7 June 2023 regarding CGT when selling a rental property.
Key Points:
The call will gather feedback about the email.
The call will find out if the email was helpful to you.
HMRC will not request any personal or financial information.
HMRC will not provide any financial advice.
Debt Management:
HMRC is sending voice prompts to customers who are behind on their payments. These prompts will provide information on how to pay HMRC or a helpline number to contact.
Key Points:
The message will give details for making payments.
The message will provide a helpline number for further contact.
The message will not ask for personal or financial information.
Other Phone Calls to Check
You should also refer to the list of phone calls detailed in the HMRC contact information.
Other HMRC Articles
Can I Get a Copy of my P45 from HMRC?
Can I Get a Copy of my P60 from HMRC?
Do I Need to Declare Cash Gifts to HMRC UK?
Do I Need to Notify HMRC of Savings Interest?
How Far Back Can HMRC Investigate?
How Long Do You Need to Keep Records for HMRC?
How to Change Address with HMRC
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