HMRC has shared information on how to differentiate genuine text messages from those that might have been sent by a scammer.
The government’s revenue and customs service has explained on its website that there are occasions when it will get in touch over SMS. But HMRC has stressed that it will never ask for personal or financial information when it sends text messages.
“We advise you not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details,” the service states.
To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 or email [email protected], and then delete them.
The 60263 number has been said to be a commonly used number to impersonate HMRC although the government has not confirmed this.
The website Who Called Me said: "Our vigilant and trustworthy community has reported that the phone number 60263 is primarily associated with scam calls impersonating HMRC."
HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm that it has received a claim, form or other correspondence from you.
In addition, customs’ officers can contact customers by text message who may have undeclared income from online sales. This would be sent as a reminder to notify HMRC of this income or make a voluntary disclosure.
Thirdly, there may be a text message following up a phone conversation to request a survey or review of the correspondence.
And finally, HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm and remind you about tax credit claim interview appointments.
But in all of these cases, HMRC will not ask you for financial information, provide links to websites or ask for your personal details.
Sometimes HMRC uses more than one way to get in touch and may send a letter or email in addition to the text message.
“This is because; it can provide an extra level of security, it can help prepare you for the follow-up contact, these are the [only] contact details HMRC has for you,” a statement added.
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