We have recently been made aware of a continued rise in scam phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). These calls are often alarming, suggesting that urgent payment is required or that court action, fines, or even arrest will follow if you do not act immediately.
This type of scam is not new, but it remains highly effective. Understanding how it works, and how to respond, is key to protecting yourself and your business.
How the Scam Works
Typically, you will receive an unexpected call (sometimes automated) claiming to be from HMRC. The message may state that:
• You owe tax that must be paid immediately
• Legal action is being taken against you
• A warrant has been issued for your arrest
• You must press a number to speak to an “officer”
The caller will attempt to create urgency and fear, pressuring you to make a payment on the spot.
In many cases, you may then be asked to:
• Provide personal or financial information
• Make a payment via bank transfer, gift cards, or another unusual method
• Act quickly to avoid penalties or prosecution
These are all clear warning signs of fraud. HMRC scams are specifically designed to exploit the fact that most people are understandably concerned about their tax affairs.
What HMRC Will (and Will Not) Do
HMRC has issued clear guidance on how it communicates with taxpayers and how to identify genuine contact.
Importantly, HMRC will never:
• Call you out of the blue demanding immediate payment
• Threaten arrest, court action, or legal consequences over the phone
• Ask for personal or financial information in unsolicited calls
• Request payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or similar methods
• Leave voicemails threatening legal action
While HMRC may contact you by phone in certain circumstances, these calls are typically informational and will not request sensitive information or demand instant payment.
Key Warning Signs
You should treat any call as suspicious if it:
• Pressures you to act immediately
• Uses threatening language or mentions court action
• Requests personal details such as bank information
• Asks for unusual payment methods
• Is unexpected or unsolicited
HMRC explicitly highlights that scams often involve urgency, threats, or requests for money or sensitive data.
What to Do If You Receive a Call
If you receive a call claiming to be from HMRC and you are unsure of its authenticity:
1. Do not engage – hang up immediately.
2. Do not provide any personal or financial information.
3. Do not make any payment.
4. Verify independently by contacting HMRC through official channels.
You can check whether a call is genuine and see examples of legitimate HMRC contact by heading to the HMRC.gov website. There is also further guidance on recognising and reporting scams.
Reporting a Scam
HMRC encourages individuals to report suspicious calls, texts, or emails to help tackle fraud.
If you receive a scam contact:
• Report it to HMRC using their official reporting channels
• Forward suspicious texts to 60599
• Email phishing attempts to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
Reporting helps prevent others from falling victim.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, HMRC-related scams remain widespread and continue to evolve. The common theme is urgency and fear, pressuring individuals into making quick decisions without verifying the facts.
If something does not feel right, it usually isn’t. Taking a moment to pause, verify, and seek advice can prevent a costly mistake.
If you are ever unsure about a communication you have received, or have concerns about your tax position, please do get in. We are here to help.
