HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent warning to UK households about the threat of online scammers. In a post on X on Wednesday, July 15, the tax authority urged people not to share personal information online, cautioning that doing so could lead to financial loss and identity fraud.
HMRC emphasised that it will never send notifications of tax rebates or request personal or payment information via text message. Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 60599, while suspicious emails can be sent to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. The department also reminded taxpayers that genuine emails about tax rebates will only come from an address ending in hmrc.gov.uk.
Scammers are also active on social media, creating fake accounts impersonating government departments. HMRC stated it will never use social media to offer tax rebates or request financial details. Suspicious social media accounts can be reported to branddefence@hmrc.gov.uk. The tax authority may share email addresses and phone numbers with other organisations to help shut down scams.
