HMRC or a scam? Can you trust the letters you receive?
Introduction
Receiving letters from HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) can often bring a sense of anxiety. The possibility of an unexpected tax issue looms large, and with it comes the potential stress of sorting it out. But the worry today isn't just about what the letter might say. It’s also about whether the letter is actually from HMRC or a clever scam.
Fraud attempts pretending to be HMRC have increased, and many people are understandably unsure whether to trust the post on their doormat. This article offers practical guidance to help you recognise genuine HMRC letters and spot scams, so you can protect your details and stay in control.
Recognising Genuine HMRC Letters
Knowing what a real HMRC letter looks like is the first defence against scams. HMRC communications usually come with specific features that are hard to fake:
Official letterhead and logo. Genuine letters from HMRC use their correct logos. These appear exactly as shown on the official HMRC website and aren’t blurry or distorted.
Consistent style and structure. There’s a clear layout in HMRC letters, including headings, references and contact details. If you’ve had a letter before, you might recognise the format.
Detailed contact information. Genuine letters from HMRC include clear ways for you to get in touch, including official phone numbers or website links. These details should match what’s shown on HMRC’s website.
Unique reference numbers. Often, there will be a reference linked to your tax account, which is important to check against any previous correspondence.
Becoming familiar with these details will help you identify when something feels off. Scammers often miss the finer points, and spotting these small signs early can save you a lot of headache later.
Common Scam Tactics
Scam letters can be very convincing. They aim to create fear or urgency to push you into acting quickly and without thinking. Here are a few things to look out for:
Urgent or threatening language. Scam letters often make bold claims, like telling you to act now or face legal action. HMRC doesn’t normally use threatening language in its first contact with you.
Demands for payment. Some scammers include payment instructions or request gift cards, bank details or cryptocurrency. HMRC would never ask for these methods.
Personal information requests. If a letter asks for bank account numbers, passwords or national insurance details without good reason, treat it with suspicion.
Suspicious contact details. Check the sender’s name and return address. Scammers use names that sound official, but when you check closely, they don’t match HMRC’s official contact information.
If something doesn’t feel right, pause before taking any kind of action. It’s better to double-check than to fall into a trap.
Steps to Verify a Letter
If you’re unsure about a letter you’ve received, it’s smart to take a few steps to confirm whether it’s genuinely from HMRC.
1. Check the recipient details. Does it use your correct full name, address and other personal information? Scam letters may get parts wrong or be directed to “Dear Customer.”
2. Compare contact information. Use the official HMRC website to compare any phone numbers or email addresses listed on the letter. If they don’t match, treat it with caution.
3. Look for a tax reference number. If you’ve dealt with HMRC before, check whether the same number appears. A lack of reference might suggest the letter is fake.
4. Contact HMRC directly. Don’t use the contact details in the letter if you’re unsure. Instead, go to HMRC’s official site and use the listed information to contact the appropriate department.
These checks help you take control before doing anything further. It can be tempting to respond straight away, but confirming the source of the letter first removes the risk of making a mistake.
Actions to Take if You Receive a Scam Letter
If you realise you’ve received a scam letter, don’t panic. There are a few actions you can take to protect yourself and help stop the fraudsters:
Stop communication immediately. Don’t respond by post, phone, text or email until you are certain who you’re dealing with. Avoid clicking on links or calling unknown numbers.
Report the scam to HMRC. They collect reports of suspicious letters, and your report can help them investigate and prevent future scams.
Protect your data. If you’ve already given out private information, like bank details or a national insurance number, take steps to protect yourself. This may include contacting your bank and updating passwords or security questions.
Dispose of the letter safely. Once you’ve taken the necessary steps, shred or destroy the letter so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands again.
Acting swiftly and calmly helps reduce the risk and limits any further issues. Keep a record of what you received and what actions you took in case you need to provide more detail later.
Stay Safe and Informed
The best defence against scams is to stay informed. HMRC offers regular updates about known scam types and what their current communications look like. Here are a few ways to stay up to date:
Check HMRC’s scams advice page. This section of their website lists recent scam examples so you can compare any suspicious letters you receive.
Subscribe to updates. HMRC and other official channels let you sign up for alerts, so you’ll know what to watch out for each month.
Talk about it. If you suspect a scam, mention it to family, friends or colleagues. Fraudsters often target many people at once, and sharing your experience might save someone else the trouble.
Taking active steps to keep yourself informed puts you in a strong position to catch scams early.
Trust ABMV to Assist You
It’s not unusual to feel unsure about letters from HMRC, especially if something seems unusual or unfamiliar. Knowing how to spot the signs of a scam and where to check for official information can boost your confidence in handling these situations.
Recognising what sets real HMRC correspondence apart from fakes takes away some of the guesswork. Scam letters often aim to pressure or confuse, but by staying alert to suspicious signs and learning how to verify a letter properly, you stay in control of your information and your peace of mind.
And if you're ever in doubt or need help understanding what a letter means for your tax responsibilities, we're here to support you.
If you're feeling uncertain about letters from HMRC or other tax-related matters, finding the right support can be a relief. For those seeking detailed and professional advice, look no further than our team at ABMV. We offer comprehensive personal tax accounting services to help you handle your concerns effectively. Whether it's guidance on dealing with potential scams or managing your tax responsibilities, we're here to assist. Reach out to us with your tax queries, and let’s navigate this journey together with confidence.