Fake HMRC rebate text message

Sisyphean_Task

Last night I received what looked like a fake text message from HMRC about a rebate I am due. Obviously I didn't click the link in it, which I suspect would then want my bank account details for the payment to be processed.

Obviously I cannot know for sure where the smishers got my mobile number from.

Earlier in the day I used the mobile to call Saga. I've mentioned the text message to them but was told they have procedures in place to protect client data.

Simple question has anybody recently had a fake text message from HMRC on a mobile they have used to call Saga?

hollydays

No but I just deleted one to my email





You have received this email to be notified that HMRC has recalculate your fiscal activity and you are eligible to receive a tax refund of £548.57 GBP.

Message:
If you want to claim your annual tax refund online you have to complete a required form with your personal information. If you refuse to complete the required form now , you will not be able to claim your annual tax refund online.

Action Required: Refund Number - xxxxx
Details
Refund xxxxx
Refund summary
Annual Tax Refund xxxx

Issuing date: 8/27/2019
Expiration date: 8/28/2019
Amount: £548.57

Claim Your Tax

Expires: August 28,2019

tealady

Sisyphean_Task wrote: »

Last night I received what looked like a fake text message from HMRC about a rebate I am due. Obviously I didn't click the link in it, which I suspect would then want my bank account details for the payment to be processed.

Obviously I cannot know for sure where the smishers got my mobile number from.

Earlier in the day I used the mobile to call Saga. I've mentioned the text message to them but was told they have procedures in place to protect client data.

Simple question has anybody recently had a fake text message from HMRC on a mobile they have used to call Saga?

It could be a randomly computer generated text.
Please NEVER click on a link supposedly from ANY Government department, always go via the Gov.uknwebsite or check for a phone number via a legitimate ate organization such as directory enquiries.
I had a phone call recently supposedly from BT re my broadband.
When I said I would check their details and call them back on a verified BT number, the caller rang off.

macman

These are sent out by the millions, nothing to link it to Saga. I am choosy as to who I give my mobile number to, but I still get some spam texts and calls.

hpuse

I would not panic.
Now a days, any TDH can create a computer program without owning a computer and sadly they are 'free' to the masses.
These programs scraps UK mobile numbers (or emails) from umpteen number of leaked customer databases available out there on the internet and can send text messages/email in fairly no time.
Ah!, thanks to the technology advancements!

Sisyphean_Task wrote: »

Last night I received what looked like a fake text message from HMRC about a rebate I am due. Obviously I didn't click the link in it, which I suspect would then want my bank account details for the payment to be processed.

Obviously I cannot know for sure where the smishers got my mobile number from.

Earlier in the day I used the mobile to call Saga. I've mentioned the text message to them but was told they have procedures in place to protect client data.

Simple question has anybody recently had a fake text message from HMRC on a mobile they have used to call Saga?

TripleH

Also, the chancescare these days that unless you file a tax return under self-assessment, you shouldn't be normally due a refund unless you had an irregular March salary as your tax code is supposed to vary throughout the year to prevent you owing / being owed at the end of the tax year.

HMRC will never email or ring you about a debt without writing to you first. If you do get a phonecall, tell them you hadn't received a letter if you heard nothing before about it (unless you've recently moved). If in doubt ask them to write to you again or amend your tax code, but don't give any details.