Scammers are pretty smart, and they mislead people in numerous ways. One of their most favourite and popular tricks is to impersonate HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs).
Each year, thousands of people fall for their scams when they receive emails, texts, and phone calls, even letters, which are very convincing and look like they come from the tax office.
The majority of people are aware not to click on suspicious links that are usually found in emails, however, when a physical letter is delivered with the logo of HMRC on it, it does seem more official.
Scammers use printed letters because they seem official and easy to trust. But how do you know if the one you’ve got is truly from HMRC? In this blog, we’ll explain how to spot the real thing, what signs to look for, and what steps to take if you’re not certain.
Why do scammers pretend to be HMRC?
HMRC deals with money – refunds, fines, tax returns and benefits. That makes it the perfect disguise for criminals looking to trick people out of their money or personal details.
Scammers typically send fake letters claiming:
- You are owed a tax refund
- You need to pay money urgently
- Your tax return has an issue
- You must “verify” your information
Their aim is pretty straightforward — to trick you into giving away money or personal details like your bank info, National Insurance number, or even your identity.
Does HMRC send real letters?
Yes, HMRC does send genuine letters for many reasons, such as:
- Reminders about Self Assessment tax returns
- Tax code notices (PAYE)
- Late payment or penalty warnings
- Confirmation of refunds or overpayments
- Requests for additional information
So just because you got a letter doesn’t mean it’s fake. But you shouldn’t automatically trust it either.
Key signs a letter from HMRC might be fake
1. Urgent or threatening language
- “Immediate action required”
- “Failure to respond will result in legal action”
- “Final warning – pay within 24 hours”
2. Asking you to call a mobile number or premium rate line
HMRC never uses mobile numbers (07…) or 09/084/087 premium numbers in their letters. They use official landlines or invite you to visit their website.
3. Requests for personal or banking details
HMRC will not ask you to provide:
- Full bank details
- Passwords or PINs
- National Insurance number over text or email
If a letter asks you to send these by email or text, it’s almost certainly fake.
4. Spelling or grammar errors
Many scam letters are written by people outside the UK. The wording may feel slightly “off” or include odd phrases. Genuine HMRC letters are professionally written.
5. Unclear sender details
Check the return address. Real HMRC letters usually come from locations like:
- BX9 1AA
- BX9 1AS
- BX9 1AB
If the address looks unusual or is missing, be cautious.
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How to check if your HMRC letter is real
Step 1: Compare the reference number
A reference number is included in real HMRC letters always in the top right corner.
- If you’ve received letters from HMRC before, compare the format.
- If it’s completely different or missing, be suspicious.
Step 2: Check the contact methods
- Real HMRC letters will not ask you to reply by email or text.
- They will guide you to either call a verified HMRC number or log in to your GOV.UK account.
You can check real numbers here: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
Step 3: Log in to your HMRC account
Do not use any link or QR code printed in the letter.
Instead:
- Go to https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services
- Log in with your Government Gateway ID.
- Check if the same message is listed in your secure messages.
If there’s no message online, the letter might be fake.
Step 4: Call HMRC directly (Using an official number)
You can call HMRC to verify if they sent the letter. Make sure you use a trusted number from the GOV.UK website, such as:
- Self Assessment: 0300 200 3310
- Income Tax (PAYE): 0300 200 3300
Do not call any number printed on the suspicious letter.
What to do if you’re still unsure
If you think the letter might be fake:
- Do not respond
- Do not call the number on it
- Do not send any details or payments
Instead, send a photo or scan of the letter to:
phishing@hmrc.gov.uk (yes, they also check fake letters)
They will confirm whether it’s real.
Examples of real HMRC letters vs scams
Now let’s compare how the real HMRC letter and the fake one are
| Type of Letter | Usually Genuine If… | Usually Fake If… |
| Tax Refund Notice | Asks you to log in via GOV.UK to claim | Asks you to call or email bank details |
| Penalty Reminder | Gives a clear date and reason | Threatens immediate legal action |
| Information Request | Gives a reference and your tax details | Asks for ID or bank details without reason |
Can HMRC ask you to pay by bank transfer?
Yes — but only to official HMRC bank accounts listed on GOV.UK. They never ask you to pay:
- Into someone’s personal bank account
- Using gift cards, vouchers, or PayPal
- Via WhatsApp or messaging apps
Final tips to stay safe
- Never rush. Scammers want you to act without thinking.
- Never use contact details printed in a suspicious letter.
- Always log in via the official HMRC website — don’t use shortcuts.
- Ask your accountant if you’re unsure — they deal with HMRC letters every day.
Conclusion
If something doesn’t feel right, pause and check. HMRC will never mind you verifying a letter — but scammers are counting on you not doing it.
When in doubt log in to your official HMRC account, call HMRC using a GOV.UK number or forward suspicious letters to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Stay alert, and don’t let scammers catch you out.
