How to make sure communications with HMRC are not a scam
A few months ago, we posted a blog about the importance of remaining vigilant regarding
HMRC Communications. Scammers often disguise themselves as HMRC.
HMRC’s published guidance, ‘
Check genuine HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method,’ has been updated. The list is intended to help taxpayers determine whether recent contacts purporting to be from HMRC are actually scams.
What’s in the new guidance from HMRC
The guidance contains a list of genuine emails,
phone calls, letters, and
text messages recently issued by HMRC. The list can help taxpayers decide if a contact is genuine or from a fraudster trying to trick them into supplying confidential or personal information.
Some of the most recent additions to the list include the following:
- Pension schemes migration. HMRC may contact you if you are a pension scheme administrator by email or phone call from 3 September 2024, up to and including 18th October 2024. They will remind you that you need to migrate your pension schemes to the Managing pension schemes (MPS) service.
- crypto asset research. HMRC is working with the independent research agency Ipsos , which is researching the crypto asset industry. From 16 September 2024 up to and including 29 November 2024, you may receive a phone call, email or letter to take part in the research.
- Improvement of the customs authorisations survey. HMRC is working with independent research agency People for Research to sign up participants for a research session. From 24 September 2024 up to and including 25 October 2024, you may be contacted by email or phone to take part in an online research session using Microsoft Teams. The research session will collect feedback to assist HMRC in improving a survey for traders and intermediaries regarding their experiences with applying for customs authorisations.
When corresponding with HMRC, being cautious about the communications you interact with is critical. In the past, scammers have used various communication channels to reach their intended target.