Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

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

If your text is not listed here check HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-genuine-hmrc-contact-that-uses-more-than-one-communication-method).

Report suspicious phone calls, emails or texts to HMRC (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails).

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 (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-hmrc-related-scam-phone-calls-emails-and-text-messages).

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: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) 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
Cryptoassets

HMRC may send you a text message if you have been trading cryptoassets.

The text message will:
- inform you that crypto transactions are taxable
- direct you to GOV.UK to report your crypto income and gains
These text messages will not ask for any personal or financial information.

Fast parcel operator drivers — interview reminder

HMRC may send you a text message to:
- confirm that a letter was sent to you about an interview
- remind you to book a telephone appointment
The text message will not:
- ask for personal or financial information
- link directly to any websites
Outbound call attempts and confirming our identity

From 10 November 2025 up to and including 30 January 2026 HMRC may send you a text message.

HMRC may send you a text message if:
- we’ve attempted to call you but have been unable to make contact
- we’re speaking to you, to confirm that you’re dealing with a genuine HMRC advisor
These text messages will not:
- ask for personal or financial information
- provide any links to websites
Self Assessment penalty appeals

HMRC may send you a text message if you appeal against a Self Assessment penalty.

The text message will confirm:
- that your appeal has been reviewed
- when you can expect the outcome
These text messages will not:
- ask for personal or financial information
- provide any links to websites
Self Assessment tax refunds

HMRC may send you a text message if you request a Self Assessment tax refund.

The text message will confirm:
- that your tax refund is being processed
- when you can expect to get it
The text message will not:
- ask you for personal or financial information
- provide any links to websites
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
VAT repayment

From 14 July 2025 up to and including 15 August 2025 HMRC may send you a text message.

HMRC may contact you by branded or standard text message about your VAT repayment.

The text message will ask you to check your business tax account for an update on your VAT repayment claim.

Other texts you should check

You can also check text messages listed in HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-genuine-hmrc-contact-that-uses-more-than-one-communication-method).