Misleading websites, emails and phone numbers
Some websites, emails or phone numbers can look like they’re part of an official government service or that they provide more help than they actually do.
This might mean you pay for services that you could get cheaper or for free if you used the official government service, for example renewing a passport.
Search on GOV.UK to find official government services and phone numbers – for example if you want to apply for a driving licence or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
You can report a misleading website, email or phone number to:
- Action Fraud
- Google if it appears as an advert in their search results
HMRC phishing emails, texts and tax scams
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will never use texts or emails to:
- tell you about a tax rebate or penalty
- ask for personal or payment information
Check HMRC’s guidance on recognising scams if you’re not sure.
Forward suspicious text messages to 60599. Text messages will be charged at your network rate.
Forward suspicious emails to HMRC’s phishing team.
HMRC phishing team
phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Your email address will be shared with other organisations if that’s necessary to close down the scam.
Report a disclosure of personal details to HMRC
Contact the HMRC security team if you think you’ve given any personal information in reply to a suspicious email or text.
Include brief details of what you disclosed (for example name, address, HMRC User ID, password) but don’t give your personal details in the email.
HMRC security team
security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Visas and immigration
You’ll never be asked to pay for a visa using:
- cash
- money transfer
Contact Action Fraud to report visa and immigration scams. You should include:
- a copy of the suspicious email you received, the sender’s email address and the date and time it was received
- details of what you sent in a reply, if you replied – for example whether you sent your bank details, address or password
