Is this HMRC tax refund text a scam?

What this kind of letter means

This is almost certainly a scam. HMRC never texts you about refunds with a link to click, and the deadline 'before 23:59 today' is a pressure trick. Don't click the link or enter any details.

Signs this is a scam: HMRC doesn't send refund notifications by text or email with links; the link isn't on a gov.uk address; it creates urgency with a same-day deadline; and it asks you to 'complete your details', which usually means card or bank details. Real refunds appear in your HMRC online account, which you reach by searching GOV.UK yourself.

Things worth checking

• The link isn't a gov.uk address.
• 'Before 23:59 today' is a pressure tactic.
• HMRC doesn't text refund links.

Your options

• Report and delete. Forward to 60599 (HMRC) or 7726 (any scam text).
• Check safely. Search GOV.UK and sign in to your HMRC account yourself.
• If you clicked. Call your bank on 159 straight away.

If you ignore it

Ignoring it is safe. Just don't click the link or reply.

The rules

• HMRC never asks for bank details or offers refunds by text or email link. Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599 and any scam text to 7726. Call 159 to reach your bank safely.
  England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland. Source: GOV.UK: Report suspicious emails, websites and phishing

Rules last checked 13 November 2026.

Words you might see

• Phishing: A message pretending to be from a trusted organisation to steal your details.
• 159: A phone number that connects you safely to your bank's fraud team.

An example reply

From our worked example. Letter Clear writes one for your own letter, in your name.

Don't reply to the text and don't click the link.

1. Forward the text to 60599, HMRC's number for suspicious texts. You can also forward any scam text to 7726, which is free.
2. Delete it.
3. To check for a real refund, sign in to your HMRC online account by searching GOV.UK yourself.

[No letter needed]

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