Do Not Respond If You Receive This Letter Claiming to Be from HMRC

Some taxpayers have reported receiving letters that appear to come from HMRC but are not genuine. These letters are designed to look official and can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate correspondence.

If you have received a letter that seems unusual or unexpected, it is important to pause and check it carefully before responding.

Companies House Scam Alerts and How to Verify Genuine Contact

Companies House published guidance titled ‘Reporting scams pretending to be from Companies House’ has been updated. The list is intended to help people check if contacts purporting to be from Companies House are actually a scam.

One of the most recent updates has seen information added on a scam letter asking for payment of £48 for Enhanced Web Filing Access. Companies House say that you should not visit any webpage or QR code links, and do not make any payments to the details shown. If you receive this letter, you should not respond.

The guidance from Companies House also includes sections about a phishing scam related to a WebFiling account, suspicious job vacancies, pension liberation scams and company register payment requests.

There is also information for those who want to make charitable donations to support the people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator has issued guidance for people looking to donate to make sure their donations reach the intended recipients.

Why This Letter May Not Be Genuine

Fraudulent letters often imitate HMRC branding, language, and layout. They may refer to tax issues, refunds, or compliance matters to encourage a response.

Common warning signs include requests for immediate action, instructions to provide personal information, or directions to contact unfamiliar phone numbers or websites, issues often flagged during reviews by a tax specialist in London or through HMRC scam alerts.

Common Features of Fake HMRC Letters

Letters that are not genuinely from HMRC often:

• Ask you to confirm personal or financial details
• Pressure you to respond urgently
• Include contact details that do not match official HMRC channels
• Use wording that feels unusual or inconsistent with past HMRC letters

Why Responding Can Be Risky

Responding to a fraudulent letter can expose personal information that may be misused. In some cases, it can also lead to unauthorised access to accounts or further scam attempts.

For this reason, it is important not to reply directly or follow instructions in a letter that you are unsure about.

How to Check Whether an HMRC Letter Is Genuine

A safer way to verify a letter is to check your official HMRC online account separately, rather than using contact details provided in the letter itself.

Genuine HMRC correspondence will not ask for sensitive information in an unexpected way or demand immediate action without giving time to respond, a point regularly emphasised by experienced tax advisors in London.

HMRC Guidance on Identifying Scam Letters

HMRC provides guidance on how to recognise and report suspicious letters and other scam contact on
GOV.UK.

Have You Received a Letter You Are Unsure About?

If you’re unsure whether a letter claiming to be from HMRC is genuine, it’s sensible to verify it before taking any action. For individuals and businesses in Hammersmith and nearby areas such as Brook Green and Ravenscourt Park, CIGMA Accounting can help you check the legitimacy of correspondence and advise on the correct next steps before you respond.