The HMRC tax refund text: how to tell it's a scam
What the message looks like
"You are due a tax refund" or "you owe a penalty", with a link to claim or pay.
How to tell it's a scam
The message says you're owed a tax refund, or that you have a penalty to pay, and gives a link to claim or pay. The page it opens looks like gov.uk and asks for your bank or card details.
HMRC's own guidance says it won't tell you about a refund, or ask for your bank or card details, through a link in a text. If you're not sure, sign in to your tax account by typing gov.uk yourself, rather than using the link.
Forwarding the text to 60599 helps HMRC get the scam site taken down.
The tell: Tax refunds don't come by text link. Forward the text to 60599 so HMRC can shut it down.
Got one? Check it in seconds
Paste the message into Alice's free scam checker. It shows the warning signs and the exact words that set them off, and the check runs on your own device.
Check a messageAlready clicked, paid or shared details?
If you've paid or given bank details, call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on your card.
Where to report it in the UK
- Scam or spam text: forward it free to 7726
- Text pretending to be HMRC: forward it to 60599
- Worried someone has your bank details: call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team
- Lost money or gave details (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or reportfraud.police.uk
- Lost money or gave details (Scotland): Police Scotland on 101
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Warn your family or group chat
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.