HMRC Phone Call Scam UK: Spot a Fake Tax Call
HMRC may make phone calls and use automated voice prompts; the reliable red line is that HMRC says it will never threaten arrest or leave a voicemail threatening legal action.
What the scam sounds like
A recorded message or live caller claims a tax-evasion case, arrest warrant or lawsuit and demands immediate action. Some calls ask the recipient to press a number to reach an “officer”, then use threats to obtain a payment or personal information. Caller ID may be spoofed to show a plausible UK or HMRC number.
HMRC does make genuine calls
HMRC does not always write first before making a debt-related call. HMRC's current guidance lists genuine phone campaigns and says Debt Management sends some customers automated voice prompts about overdue payments. Those prompts may give payment details or a helpline number, but HMRC says they will not ask for personal or financial information.
HMRC also publishes time-limited campaigns in which it phones particular customer groups. Some genuine contacts may involve identity checks. The safest approach is to compare the contact with HMRC's current list and, if uncertain, end the call and contact HMRC through GOV.UK.
Reliable warning signs
HMRC says it will never threaten arrest or leave a voicemail threatening legal action. Its general scam checklist says a contact could be fraudulent if it is threatening, unexpected, rushes you, asks for bank details, tells you to transfer money or offers a rebate.
There is no confirmed rule that every genuine automated HMRC message includes a taxpayer reference number, so that detail should not be used as a verification test on its own. Instead, compare the contact against HMRC's current list of genuine contacts, or check directly through GOV.UK or the official HMRC app.
Check the call safely
Hang up. Do not call a number supplied by the caller and do not rely on caller ID. Use GOV.UK's current lists of genuine HMRC contacts and the official HMRC contact page. If you have an online tax account, type the address yourself or use the official HMRC app to review it. HMRC-branded scams also arrive by email and by text with the same rebate or refund pressure — our HMRC Tax Rebate Email Scam: Spot a Fake (UK) guide covers the email version, and our HMRC Tax Refund Text Scam: Spot the Fake (UK) guide covers the text version.
If money or details were given
Contact the bank immediately if a payment was made or bank or card details were disclosed. Change compromised online-account credentials and report suspicious activity in the HMRC account through the official security route. Preserve the phone number, time, voicemail and payment information, but do not continue engaging with the caller.
Reporting in the UK
Use GOV.UK's Report a suspicious HMRC phone call service. Suspicious HMRC emails go to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk; suspicious texts go to 60599 and may be charged at the network rate. If money was lost, report the crime to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
Frequently asked questions
Does HMRC ever call about debt?
Yes. HMRC lists genuine debt-management calls and voice prompts. Verify the contact through GOV.UK and remember that HMRC says it will never threaten arrest.
Does a genuine automated HMRC call always include my tax reference?
Current HMRC guidance does not support that universal rule. Use HMRC's genuine-contact lists instead.
I was threatened with arrest unless I paid immediately. Is that genuine?
No. HMRC explicitly says it will never threaten arrest.
Sources checked
- GOV.UK — Check if a phone call you've received from HMRC is genuine
- GOV.UK — Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls