Guides › Banking Scams and Fraud › HMRC Tax Refund Text or Email: Is It a Scam?
HMRC Tax Refund Text or Email: Is It a Scam?
HMRC will never send you a text about a tax rebate, and only emails about rebates from addresses ending in hmrc.gov.uk. Do not click links or give your details. Forward suspicious texts to 60599 and suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete them.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
HMRC Scams
GOV.UK
HMRC will never send a notification of a tax rebate by text. It will only ever email you about a tax rebate from an address ending in hmrc.gov.uk. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and then delete them. Forward suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply). Report suspicious phone calls through the online service on GOV.UK. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awayIf you gave bank detailsCall your bank on the number on your card
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Do not click any link or reply.
Step 2 of 5
Forward the text to 60599 or the email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Step 3 of 5
Delete the message.
Step 4 of 5
If you entered bank details, call your bank at once.
Step 5 of 5
Check your tax position by signing in to GOV.UK directly.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
HMRC Phishing Reports
Where to forward scam messages.
Your Bank
If you shared card or bank details.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Real refunds show in your HMRC online account.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails Checked 13 October 2026