How to Spot a Scam: Is That Letter Really from HMRC?
Scammers are becoming more and more convincing, and a favourite trick is pretending to be HMRC. Whether it’s a letter, text, or email, these scams often promise a tax refund or demand personal and financial details in exchange for avoiding penalties.
One recent example involved a highly realistic letter that seemed to be from HMRC’s “Individuals and Small Business Compliance” team. It asked for business bank statements, VAT returns, and even a passport or driving licence for all directors. The letter warned that if the information wasn’t provided, HMRC could freeze the company’s assets while they investigate.
Sounds terrifying, right? That’s exactly how scammers trick people. But how can you tell if it’s real or a scam?
How to Check if It’s Genuine
If you receive a letter, email, or text that looks like it’s from HMRC, take a step back before panicking. Here are a few things you can check:
- What are they asking for? Is HMRC really likely to need the documents they’re asking for? For example, why would they ask for your VAT returns or filed accounts when they already have access to them?
- Check the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). A UTR should always be 10 digits. If the letter shows fewer digits, that’s a big red flag.
- Look closely at the email address. HMRC emails always end in “gov.uk”. If the address is anything else, it’s likely a scam.
- Be wary of unusual requests. Asking for things like a passport or driving licence for ‘identification purposes’ should set alarm bells ringing.
In the example above, scammers asked recipients to email sensitive documents to an address that wasn’t an official HMRC address – a key sign it wasn’t genuine.
Genuine HMRC Communications
HMRC knows how tricky scams can be, so they regularly update their guidance on what’s real and what’s not. You can find these updates on the Gov.uk website. If you’ve received a letter or email claiming to be from HMRC, check it against their list of genuine communications.
HMRC uses letters, texts, and emails to contact taxpayers – sometimes through more than one channel. But always be cautious, especially if you’re being asked to provide sensitive information or click on links.
Stay Alert
It’s important to always be on guard when receiving communications that seem to be from HMRC. Avoid clicking on any links unless you’re sure it’s genuine. HMRC will never send links offering a tax refund in exchange for personal details. If you’re in doubt, don’t click on anything – better safe than sorry!
How to Report Scams
If you’ve received a suspicious letter, text, email, or phone call, report it to HMRC. Here’s how:
- Forward scam texts to 60599.
- Report suspicious emails or letters by emailing HMRC at ph******@******ov.uk.
Need Advice?
If you’ve received a letter or communication that you’re unsure about, don’t panic. At Jon Davies Accountants, we can help you spot a scam and keep your business safe. Get in touch with us today if you need guidance or want a second opinion on any HMRC communications.
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Any questions?
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