Council Tax Scam Text UK: How to Spot and Stop HMRC Impersonation SMS
Scammers are flooding UK inboxes with fake council tax texts — here's how to tell real HMRC messages from dangerous fakes.
What is this scam?
Council tax scam texts are SMS messages that pretend to be from HMRC, your local council, or a debt collection agency. The message claims you owe money for unpaid council tax, a tax refund, or that your National Insurance number has been flagged. Scammers use urgency and fear to rush you into action — they'll say you must pay immediately, click a link to claim a refund, or call a number to resolve the issue. These texts look convincing because they use official-sounding language, council tax jargon, and sometimes include real council names. The goal is to steal your personal data, banking details, or money. Real HMRC and council tax authorities never contact people first by text demanding payment or offering quick refunds via suspicious links. This scam has been widespread across the UK since 2021 and continues to catch people out.
Warning signs to look for
['- The text claims you owe council tax or a tax refund, then demands you click a link immediately or call a number.', "- The sender's number is random digits, not an official HMRC or council shortcode (like 60100 for genuine HMRC).", "- The message contains spelling errors, odd grammar, or awkward phrasing like 'your council tax payment is due urgently.'", '- A shortened URL (bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.) is included instead of a direct council or HMRC web address.', "- The text threatens legal action, arrest, or benefit cancellation if you don't respond within hours.", "- You're asked to verify your bank details, National Insurance number, or date of birth by text or phone.", "- The message arrived unexpectedly and you know you don't owe council tax or have no outstanding tax issues.", "- It promises a large tax refund or rebate that you didn't apply for and weren't expecting."]
How this scam works step by step
The scam begins when you receive an SMS that appears to be from HMRC or a council, claiming urgency. The message might say 'You owe £xxxx in council tax' or 'Claim your £500 tax refund' and includes a link and phone number. If you click the link, you're taken to a fake website that looks almost identical to the real HMRC or council website. The page asks you to log in, which steals your username and password if you enter them. Alternatively, you might be directed to a fake payment page where you enter your bank card details. If you call the number in the text, a scammer answers pretending to be from HMRC or the council and asks you to 'verify' your personal information — National Insurance number, date of birth, address, and bank details. Once they have this data, they can steal your identity, empty your bank account, or apply for credit in your name. Some scammers use the stolen data to commit fraud later, sometimes weeks or months after the initial contact.
How to verify if it is genuine
If you receive a text claiming to be from HMRC or your council about council tax, stop and verify before taking action. First, do not click any links in the message. Instead, go directly to the official website — www.gov.uk for HMRC or search for your local council by name (e.g., 'Birmingham City Council'). Log in to your personal tax account or council portal using credentials you already know, and check whether you actually owe money. Second, call HMRC directly using the number on a genuine bill or from the gov.uk website (not from the text message). Use the main switchboard: 0300 200 3300. Third, call your local council directly using a number you find online independently — not from the text. Ask them directly whether you owe council tax and whether they sent the SMS. Genuine HMRC and councils never contact you first by text demanding payment. They send letters through the post. For more help identifying fakes, see our guide on /guides/is-this-website-a-scam/.
What to do if you have already interacted
Act immediately if you clicked a link, called a scammer's number, or gave away personal details. First, do not send any money or provide further information. Second, if you entered your bank card details on a fake website, contact your bank right away using the number on the back of your card or from their official website. Tell them you suspect fraud and ask them to freeze your account and check for unauthorised transactions. Change your passwords for your online banking, email, and any government services if you used the same password. Third, if you gave away your National Insurance number, date of birth, or full address, contact Action Fraud to report identity theft risk. Fourth, place a ban on your credit file with Experian, Equifax, or CallCredit to prevent scammers taking out credit in your name — this is free and takes 30 minutes. Finally, monitor your bank statements and credit report regularly for suspicious activity over the next few months. Keep screenshots of the scam text and any fake website as evidence.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report council tax scam texts to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting service. Call them on 0300 123 2040 (it's free) or report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk. They'll create a crime reference number and pass information to the police. You can also report the SMS to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service — forward the text to report@phishing.gov.uk if your phone allows email forwarding, or manually type details about the message. Report the scam text to your mobile network by forwarding it to 7726 (it's free). They'll investigate the number and block it from sending further texts to other customers. If you were affected, also call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 (free, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm) — they can advise on next steps and whether you might be eligible for compensation. The more reports received, the faster scam numbers get shut down and awareness spreads.
Frequently asked questions
Is HMRC a real organisation, or is every HMRC contact a scam?
HMRC is genuine — HM Revenue & Customs is the UK's real tax authority. However, scammers impersonate them in texts. Genuine HMRC almost never contacts people first by SMS or email about payment. They send official letters by post. If you're unsure, hang up, find the official HMRC number on a real bill or gov.uk, and call them directly.
What should I do if I've already sent money to the scammer?
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your debit or credit card — do not use a number from the scam message. Tell them you've been scammed and suspect fraudulent payment. Ask them to recall the payment if it was very recent (within hours). Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 with your bank's crime reference number. Your bank may be able to recover money if the scammer's account is still active, but act fast — scammers move money quickly.
Can scammers actually access my council tax account if I click the link?
If you click the link and enter your login details on a fake website, yes — scammers can access your account. They'll see your council tax balance, property address, and payment history. Some scammers then set up false payment arrangements or change your contact details to divert your bills. Contact your local council immediately on their official number to report the breach and secure your account. Change your council portal password straight away using a different device.
How do I report a council tax scam text?
Forward the text to 7726 (it's free and works on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider. Also report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. If the message contains a suspicious link or sender number, you can report it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk. Keep the message as evidence and screenshot it if possible.