I have been sent a fraudulent HMRC tax notice. Here’s how to spot a scam

As the self-assessment deadline approaches, HMRC scams are starting to do the rounds again. Legitimate-looking emails, texts and letters on doormats and inboxes are often designed to scare people into paying quickly.

It was sent to me recently.

It used the HMRC logo, talked about penalties and even mentioned prison.

But it was a lie.

If you are self-employed, rent a property, or have ever filed a tax return, this is the time to be extra careful.

Why HMRC scams increase at this time of year

January is prime time for scammers. Millions of people are dealing with introspection, math, and deadline anxiety.

Scammers know that pressure makes people panic and act faster.

Most of these guys are trying to do one thing. Pushing you into paying money or giving out personal information before you have time to think.

They rely on fear, urgency and formality.

What did the scam letter look like

The letter I received used the HMRC name and logo, included a reference number, and was entitled “Tax Notice”.

It said there were disagreements over the past few years and warned of criminal penalties, including imprisonment. It then demanded a payment of more than £15,000 and asked me to “manage” my situation immediately.

That alone is a huge red flag.

How many red flags can you see

This is a picture of the letter that was sent to me. I edited a few parts, including personal information and a QR code, but the rest is exactly as it came.

Before reading on, take a moment to look carefully.

See how many things you can spot that are wrong. We found 25 different warning signs and red flags. Can you find more than us?

If you only notice one or two, that’s completely normal. Many people do. These books are designed to overwhelm you and push you to a quick decision.

Below, we’ve compiled a full list of everything we see that proves this book is fake. It’s there to help you if you’re not sure what to look for, and to show how many warning signs can be hidden in plain sight.

How HMRC actually contact you

HMRC contact people by letter, email and text, but there are important differences.

HMRC will never ask for your full password or PIN by email or text. They won’t ask you to click on links to make payments without directing you to GOV.UK first.

They don’t ask for payment by email, and they don’t ask you to respond with bank details.

When HMRC claims money, it explains why, how the figure is worked out, and how you can challenge it if you think it’s wrong.

Common HMRC scam formats to watch out for

Scams are not just books. The most common ones include:

• Documents stating that you are due a tax refund, with a link to claim it
• Emails saying your account has been suspended or flagged as fraudulent
• Calls saying you owe taxes and will be arrested if you don’t pay today
• Letters demanding immediate payment with threats of legal action
• The message is always the same. Act now or else.

What to do if you receive a message like this

The most important thing is not to panic.

Do not click on the links. Don’t answer. Do not call numbers or email addresses in a message.

If you are unsure, go directly to HMRC’s official website by entering the address yourself, or check your tax account.

You can also contact HMRC using the phone number on GOV.UK, not the one on the message you received.

If it turns out to be a hoax, report it. HMRC has a dedicated reporting system for scam emails, texts and calls.

Once you have responded or paid

If you’ve clicked on a link, shared information or sent money, take immediate action.

Contact your bank immediately. The sooner you do this, the better chance you have of stopping or getting a refund.

Change passwords on any accounts that may be affected, especially email and banking applications.

Then report the scam to HMRC and Action Fraud.

One last reminder before the deadline

The self-assessment deadline is stressful enough without the cheaters piling on more stress.

Slow down. Read the messages carefully. Trust your instincts if something materializes.

HMRC wants the right tax to be paid, but does not exploit, pressure or threaten people into giving them money.

If in doubt, leave the message and check the official channels. That relaxation alone can save you a lot of money and worry.

Mistakes and red flags in this HMRC scam book

1. The letter is dated January 2025, but was received in 2026. An official tax notice will not arrive after a year without explanation.
2. It calls for issues up to July 2025. That date was in the future when the book was supposed to be written.
3. It is entitled “Tax Notice.” This is not how HMRC calls real letters.
4. It talks about “taxation in the United Kingdom.” HMRC will not explain UK tax in this way in an official notice.
5. It refers to England rather than the UK. HMRC is a UK wide organization and does not target England in this way.
6. It includes a vague interpretation of the US tax treaty. HMRC will only cite agreements if they apply specifically, and in great detail.
7. No personal information. No name, no address, no National Insurance number, no Unique Taxpayer Reference.
8. The language is threatening from the start. HMRC don’t open letters warning of jail time.
9. It talks about the “General Tax Code.” This is not in UK tax law.
10. It cites “Article 1728” and “Article 1741.” UK tax penalties are not listed or referred to as such.
11. The official names are not the same as the UK systems. The structure is closer to international tax codes, not HMRC.
12. The time entered is strange and unclear. HMRC will always refer to specific tax years.
13. The phrase “take control of your situation” is used. This is not standard HMRC language.
14. A large payment is required without explanation. HMRC will explain how the calculation is made.
15. There is no information about appeals or asking for a price. HMRC always explain your options.
16. It asks you to update the payment information immediately. HMRC does not ask for payment details like this.
17. It encourages direct contact via email. Serious tax matters are not handled through email conversations.
18. The email address is a Gmail account. HMRC never uses Gmail or other free email services.
19. The tone changes throughout the syllable. HMRC’s official letters are consistent in style and wording.
20. It covers social tax issues and criminal threats. This is handled through different procedures and books.
21. The name of the department is unclear; “Financial Investigation Department” is not how HMRC signs letters.
22. Exits and job titles are unusual. Original HMRC letters use standard formats and roles.
23. The signature looks theatrical. HMRC letters rarely include large handwritten style signatures.
24. There are spelling and sentence problems. It’s small, but not uncommon in HMRC official books.
25. It pushes for urgency without explaining next steps. HMRC does not chase people without clear instructions and deadlines.

Oh, and Jim Harra left HMRC in April 2025, but the scammers never caught on that he retired.

If you missed any of these, you’re not alone. These scams are designed to look serious and weird, so people act before thinking.

The key takeaway is simple. If a message about tax sounds urgent, threatening, or asking you to pay or respond quickly, stop and check it through HMRC’s official channels first.