Guidance

Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine

Check a list of recent text messages from HMRC to help you decide if a text you've received is a scam.

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
Published
30 July 2021
Last updated
4 December 2024 — See all updates

If your text is not listed here check HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method.

Report suspicious phone calls, emails or texts to HMRC.

Branded messages

HMRC may send branded text messages to some of our customers. These will look different to our standard text messages.

These branded messages will:

  • show HM Revenue and Customs as the sender
  • include the HMRC logo
  • contain the verified sender’s information

You should also read our guidance on how to identify suspicious contact.

If your device is not compatible to receive a Rich Communication Services (RCS) message the branded message will appear as a standard text message.

Links in text messages

HMRC does send text messages to some of our customers.

In the text message we might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat.

HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send 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.

To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

Child Benefit

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm:

  • we have received your Child Benefit claim
  • you have successfully opted into or out of Child Benefit payments
  • a change to your account
  • a claim has been successful

Confirmation and update text messages

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm that we have received from you:

  • a claim
  • a form
  • other correspondence

Survey after a call to HMRC or a compliance check

HMRC may send you an exit survey by text message if you have:

  • agreed to provide feedback after calling one of our contact centres
  • gone through a compliance check

This text message will not:

  • ask for personal or financial information
  • include any phone numbers
  • provide links to websites other than to the survey platform

Tax credits

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm and remind you about tax credit claim interview appointments.

We might also contact you by text message to ask you to call the Tax Credit Helpline to discuss your claim.

These text messages will not:

  • ask for personal or financial information
  • provide any links to websites

Other texts you should check

You can also check text messages listed in HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method.

Updates to this page

Published 30 July 2021
Last updated 4 December 2024 + show all updates

  1. Information about HMRC branded text messages has been added.

  2. Information has been added about National Minimum Wage — workers entitlement messages.

  3. Information has been added about Child Benefit messages.

  4. Information for Cost of Living Payments has been updated.

  5. Information has been added about Cost of Living Payments for tax credits customers.

  6. Added translation

  7. Added translation

  8. Information about when HMRC might send you a text message has been updated.

  9. Information has been added about Self Assessment tax checks.

  10. Information on 'Online sales' has been added. Information on 'Tax credits' has been updated to no longer say we will no longer ask you to call the tax credit helpline.

  11. Added translation

  12. Information about when HMRC might send you a text message if you call one of our helplines from a mobile phone, and what it might include has been added.

  13. Information on tax credits has been updated.

  14. Information on commercial drivers and online status checks has been added.

  15. Information about Child Benefit has been added.

  16. Information about tax credit renewals and Child Benefit has been added.

  17. Information about commercial drivers and online status checks has been added.

  18. HMRC appointment reminders section has been added.

  19. Added information on EU Settlement Scheme.

  20. Information on 'Post Office card accounts' and 'Self Assessment tax returns' has been added.

  21. Information about EU Settlement Scheme has been added.

  22. Added translation

  23. We have added that we may text you to ask if you've told us about a change of circumstances for a young person on your tax credit claim.

  24. Updated to show HMRC is using a new number to send text messages to customers.

  25. Added translation

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