EmailImpersonates HMRCHigh Risk

HMRC Tax Refund Email Scam

Phishing email impersonating HMRC offering a fake tax refund to steal banking details.

95/100

High Risk

Scam risk score based on AI analysis and community reports

Warning Signs Detected

3 indicators identified

Unexpected Refund Offer

Genuine HMRC refunds are communicated via official letters, not unsolicited emails.

5-Day Deadline

Artificial deadline pressures victims into acting without thinking.

Phishing Link

Link leads to a fake HMRC website designed to harvest personal and banking details.

What To Do If You Received This

HMRC will never email you a link to claim a tax refund. Log in directly at gov.uk/hmrc if you think a refund is owed.

Report Details

Channel: Email
Org Impersonated: HMRC
Risk Score: 95/100
First Reported: 30 May 2026
Reports Received: 712
Warning Signs: 3

Original Message (Reference)

Anonymised copy of the original message — included for reference

Subject: You are eligible for a tax refund of £312.47 Dear Taxpayer, Following an annual review of your account, we have determined you are owed a tax refund. Please submit your claim within 5 days via the link below. [SUSPICIOUS-LINK] HM Revenue & Customs