HMRC says fake texts asking for crypto tax details are rising. A real tax body will not ask for your personal or financial details by text.
HMRC, the UK tax authority, is warning about fake text messages that pretend to come from it. The texts say you must give more details to finish a cryptoassets declaration. HMRC says reports of these messages are going up.
Cryptoassets are digital coins and similar holdings. A text that mentions tax can make people worry they have missed something, and scammers count on that worry. If you hand over bank details, passwords or personal information, criminals can use them to get at your money or pretend to be you.
HMRC does send some real texts. It says it might text you to point you to guidance on GOV.UK if you have cryptoasset activity that may be taxable. But it says it will never ask for personal or financial information by text. That is the simple test to remember.
The warning is aimed at UK taxpayers with a mobile phone, and most of all at people who own or trade crypto. A message that only points to guidance fits what HMRC says it does. Even so, HMRC advises you to stop and think about whether any request is genuine before sharing anything.
The alert box above lists what to do, including a free number for reporting the text.
The warning does not say how many reports HMRC has received, who is behind the texts or how much money has been lost. Expect the wording of the messages to change, so the rule about personal details by text is the safest guide.
HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information by text, so treat any message that does as a scam and report it.
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