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You are right to worry about the authenticity of a text or email you have received from HMRC. Over the years there has been a sharp increase in the amount of scam email and texts that are being sent out.

The best rule to remember is that HM Revenue & Customs will never contact you by text or email to confirm:

• That you are due a tax repayment
• That you owe penalty
• Your personal or payment information

If you’re not sure, make sure you check HMRC’s guidance on recognising scams.

Forward suspicious text messages to 60599. Text messages will be charged at your network rate.

Forward suspicious emails to HMRC’s phishing team

HMRC Phishing Team:                                    phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

If you think that you’ve already disclosed personal information then contact the HMRC security team with brief details of what you disclosed (Name, address, NI number etc).

HMRC have started contacting taxpayers by tax to remind them that they have a payment of tax becoming due, but this is purely a prompt. Never log on to your HMRC personal tax account from a text message link.

If you have any doubt whatsoever, do not reply to the text or email and speak to HMRC or your accountant direct. It’s better to be safe than sorry!