Does HMRC Send You Text Messages From The Number 60886?

If you’ve received a text message from 60886 claiming to be from HMRC and are wondering about its authenticity, you will find detailed guidance through the following blog post. While we primarily aim to answer your question about the 60886 number, we will also explain how to identify authentic messages from HMRC versus a potential scam.

Does HMRC Send You Text Messages From The 60886 Number?

No, the HMRC does not send you text messages from the 60886 number anymore. While the HMRC used to send text messages from the 60886 SMS shortcode a few years ago, they do not own it anymore.

This is the reason why taxpayers are advised to be careful about text messages that they might receive from this number and confirm its authenticity before taking any action.

If you are one of those individuals who have received a text message from 60886 and you are not sure whether it is from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), there are some checks you can practice to verify the authenticity of the message:

• Look for the sender ID: This is the name or number appearing as the sender of the message. Authentic HMRC messages will either be from the sender ID “HMRC,” “HM Revenue and Customs,” or “GOVUK.” 
• Check the content of the message: HMRC typically sends reminders through text messages to taxpayers about their tax affairs or payments. They will not ask you for your personal financial information such as bank account details. 
• Don’t click on any links: HMRC will not ask you to click on a link for further action. If the message contains a link, you should not click on it. 
• Contact HMRC if you suspect a scam: If you suspect that you’ve received a text message from someone posing to be from HMRC or it is a scam trying to get some money out of you, you should contact HMRC by sending them an email at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or forwarding the text message to the HMRC at 60599.

When Does HMRC Send Text Messages?

HMRC sends text messages in the following situations; only to serve as a reminder and not to inquire about any personal or financial information:

• If you call their helpline from your mobile number and the official informs you to expect a text message after the call.
• When they need to remind taxpayers to update their undeclared income; without asking how much it is or for any monetary details.
• To confirm receipt of forms or claims.
• To remind you of an upcoming appointment.
• To inform claimants of Working Tax Credits advising them of their National Minimum Wage entitlement.
• To request payment of due or overdue tax returns.
• To ask customers to update their personal or business contact details.
• To attain feedback as part of a survey that you have agreed to participate in.

How Can You Identify If A Text Message Is A Scam?

While the first indicator of a text message being a scam is that the recipient will be asked to declare some form of financial information or to click on a link. Below is a list of some common attributes of such scams:

• the recipient is being rushed or threatened to take certain action
• the context of the message appears to be unexpected
• demands information like bank details such as bank account number, user ID for online banking, Personal Tax Account details 
• instructs the recipient to transfer money
• offers a financial windfall, refund, tax rebate or grant

If you’ve responded to a potential scam, you should report the incident to the HMRC security team. 

If you’ve been a victim of a scam, you should also inform Action Fraud.

Conclusion:

60886 is a previously owned number of the HMRC but it is no longer used by them to send text messages to individuals. Whether or not a recipient recognises the number they receive a text message from, one should remain vigilant about not declaring any personal or financial information in its response.

References:

Check if a text message you’ve received from HMRC is genuine – GOV.UK

Examples of HMRC-related phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts – GOV.UK

Reminder to provide actual income figures by 2SD (31 January 2019) « Blog « Revenue Benefits