HMRC scam calls in the UK

Updated 2026-05-02

HMRC impersonation is one of the most reported phone scams in the UK. Fraudsters claim you owe unpaid tax, threaten arrest or court action, and pressure you to pay immediately by bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. HMRC will never do this.

How HMRC scam calls work

Scammers spoof a UK landline or mobile number and use an automated message or aggressive caller claiming to be from HMRC. They may quote a fake 'case reference', threaten a warrant for your arrest, or claim your National Insurance number has been compromised. The goal is panic — once you're rattled, they push you to transfer money, share your bank details, or install remote-access software.

What HMRC will never do

HMRC will never phone you out of the blue threatening arrest, ask for payment in iTunes vouchers or Bitcoin, demand bank transfers to a 'safe account', or leave voicemails about lawsuits. Genuine debt contact is by post first, and any phone follow-up references letters you've already received.

Red flags

  • Automated voice claiming a 'lawsuit has been filed against your name'
  • Caller demands payment in gift cards, vouchers, or cryptocurrency
  • Threats of immediate arrest or deportation
  • Pressure not to hang up or speak to anyone else
  • Caller asks for your full National Insurance number or bank PIN

What to do

  1. Hang up. Do not press any keys, even to 'speak to an agent'.
  2. Do not call the number back. Look up HMRC's official number on gov.uk.
  3. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free) and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
  4. Report the call to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.
  5. Run the number through WhoCalledMe.ai to see if others have reported it.

Frequently asked questions

Does HMRC ever call you?

Yes, but only as a follow-up to letters or correspondence you've already received. HMRC does not cold-call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest.

What number does HMRC call from?

HMRC uses several official lines listed on gov.uk. Scammers routinely spoof these numbers, so the displayed caller ID is not proof a call is genuine.

I gave them my details — what now?

Contact your bank immediately, change any passwords you shared, and report it to Action Fraud. If you transferred money, report to your bank within 24 hours to invoke the Contingent Reimbursement Model.