'Don't click' warning issued over scam HMRC £276 tax refund text message

People are being warned over a text message scam that promises a tax refund from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The Fraud Advisory Panel has issued the warning as they shared a screenshot of the text message on X, formerly Twitter, which criminals are using to try and bait people into giving false information.

The fake text message reads: "HMRC Refund: You have an outstanding Tax refund of £276.74 from 2020 to 202. Follow instructions to claim your Tax refund at [fake link]."

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Accompanying the screenshot the Fraud Advisory Panel wrote: "Did you just get a suspicious text or email from HMRC? STOP! Don't click any links; instead, use a trusted URL to log into your gov gateway."

The warning has been issued as millions of people are being urged to send in their tax returns ahead of the January 31 deadline.

According to the government department, almost 5.7 million customers are yet to submit their online assessment for the 2022/23 tax year. Close to 6.5 million customers have already handed in their tax returns.

Customers must hand in the tax return by the deadline or face a fine of at least £100.

If you receive one of these fake HMRC messages then you can report it to 60599 or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. After doing this, HMRC says you should then delete the message.

Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website.