Phishing Email
HMRC Fraud Text
Actual scam email — annotated specimen
From
Unknown Text Message
Subject
HMRC Fraud Text
Date
13 May 2026, 14:22 UTC
Text messages claiming to be from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) claim that your details were identified in a Report Fraud report and your personal data is at risk due to a data breach.
It gives you a number to call and reports suggest that if you call the number and you will be asked for your first and last name, who you bank with and your current balance.
One report also said they were given a 5 digit reference code to quote when called by a 'manager' to verify fraudulent activity.
Scams like these typically encourage you to give personal and financial information.
Scam texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726.
1 Red Flag — Here's What Gives It Away
- 1. Any unsolicited message that puts you under threat and fails to contain any personal details is a scam. Criminals use threat/panic/stress to get you to do things you wouldn't normally do. Even if you are stressed, always STOP, THINK, wait 5 minutes and look at the situation in a calmer manner. Any suspected fraud texts should be forwarded onto 7726, NEVER reply
What to do if you get one of these
Any Text or email relating to money that is received out of the blue and is asking you to do something is very likely a scam. Criminal Scammers use your worry/stress to by-pass your normal rational behaviour. If the communication is not suspected then do nothing, if it worries you, call the bank using the number on your debit card, or from within your banking app and ask them, but never reply no matter how much you are worried.