HMRC warning to millions of people with UK households urged to ‘delete it’

HMRC has issued an alert to millions of taxpayers and urged them to DELETE an email landing in inboxes this week. As we head towards Christmas, the taxman says more and more are being targeted by fake Royal Mail messages and emails.

One person contacted HMRC on social media to explain how they received an email saying Royal Mail tried to deliver a letter from HMRC – but this message was a scam and was not from HMRC or Royal Mail, the taxman has said.

The HMRC customer asked via Twitter, now known as X following the rebrand by owner Elon Musk: “@HMRCcustomers I’ve received an email saying Royal Mail tried to deliver a large letter from HMRC but couldn’t. Please click to rearrange. This is a scam?”

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HMRC then replied to the taxpayer, confirming it was fraudulent correspondence. HMRC said: “Hi, this is not a genuine email. You need to report a tax scam email call here. You can also find detailed information about HMRC phishing and scams here.”

On its website, HMRC explains: “To help our investigations report all HMRC related phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and text messages. Even if you get the same or similar scam contacts often, report them.

“Do not open attachments or click any links in an unexpected email or text message, as they may contain malicious software or direct you to a misleading website. Delete any emails or texts once you’ve reported them.” It adds: “HMRC does send text messages to some of our customers.

“In the text message we might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat. HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages. We advise you not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.

“To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.”