Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

HMRC Scam Calls and Messages
HMRC Scam Calls and Messages

HMRC scam calls often use automated messages or aggressive, live callers to claim you owe tax, are under investigation, or have a pending arrest warrant. They pressure victims to pay immediately via bank transfer or gift cards to steal money and personal details. HMRC never asks for immediate, urgent payments or personal details over the phone.

Signs of a Scam Call

  • Urgency and Fear: Threats of arrest, lawsuits, or immediate legal action if you do not pay.
  • Too Good to Be True: Offers of a tax refund or rebate, often asking for bank details to process it.
  • Unexpected Contact: Unexpected, automated, or live calls, sometimes appearing to come from official HMRC numbers.
  • Request for Personal Details: Asking for your National Insurance number, bank details, or passwords.

What to Do

  1. Hang Up Immediately: Do not engage, press 1, or speak to the caller.
  2. Verify Independently: If you are worried, hang up and call HMRC directly using a trusted number from their official website.
  3. Report the Call: Report phishing phone calls to HMRC using their online form.
  4. Report Fraud: If you have lost money, report it to Action Fraud.
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