HMRC warns 'check emails and letters' as people told 'protect your money'

HMRC is urging people to be vigilant

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to protect themselves and their money amid a series of scams. The tax body took to X, formerly Twitter, this week with an important message.

The update reads: "SCAM ALERT! We're reminding customers to remain vigilant against scams threats. Scammers may contact you pretending to be HMRC via email, phone, or social media, to obtain your personal and financial info."

They've also dropped a link with extra advice on how to "keep safe" and verify whether those letters, emails, and phone calls claiming to be from HMRC are the real deal. The tax authority does reach out through these channels, and has said it may ring people up in some circumstances, such as after sending initial emails about Capital Gains Tax for selling a rental property.

HMRC also sends voice prompts to certain customers about debt management - and these messages will never ask for personal or financial information, HMRC said. You can check if a HMRC call is genuine here

Similarly HMRC sends letters about a number of things, including Home Responsibilities Protect eligibility and National Insurance contributions. If you receive a letter from HMRC you can check if it is genuine here

And the government department also sends emails about many issues, including Child Benefit claims and Tax-Free Childcare among others. You can check if a HMRC email is genuine here