Is this HMRC refund email a scam?
Unexpected tax refund messages can impersonate HMRC. Pause and check through official channels.
Red flags to look for
- An unexpected refund offered through an email or text link.
- A request for bank details or sign-in codes.
- Threats or a short deadline to claim money.
What to do next
- Sign in through GOV.UK directly rather than following the message link.
- Compare the message with HMRC’s published scam examples.
- Forward suspicious HMRC emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Use the checker for a second look at the wording.
Guidance supports your judgement; it cannot establish that a message is definitely safe.
Further reading: HMRC / GOV.UK ↗