How to verify genuine HMRC contact about customs matters
HMRC has published guidance to help importers and exporters identify fraudulent communications claiming to be from the tax authority. The guidance advises checking recent legitimate HMRC contact across multiple channels—email, phone, SMS, and post—to spot scams. This is relevant for anyone handling customs declarations, tariffs, or landed-cost calculations who may receive unsolicited contact about duties owed or import documentation.
Photo: K / Pexels# How to Verify Genuine HMRC Communications
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued updated guidance on identifying authentic contact from the tax authority, helping businesses distinguish legitimate communications from scams. Published on 27 April 2026, the guidance emphasizes checking recent contacts across multiple communication channels.
Why This Matters for Shippers
Importers, exporters, and freight forwarders frequently interact with HMRC regarding customs declarations, duty assessments, and landed-cost verification. Fraudsters often impersonate HMRC to solicit payment or personal information, particularly targeting businesses managing international shipments.
According to HMRC:
Check recent contacts from HMRC to help you decide if a suspicious email, phone call, text or letter could be a scam.
The guidance applies to contact received via:
- Email – genuine HMRC communications come from official gov.uk email addresses
- Phone calls – verify by hanging up and calling HMRC's official number
- Text messages (SMS) – be cautious of unsolicited requests for payment or personal data
- Postal mail – legitimate notices bear HMRC letterhead and reference numbers
Red Flags for Customs-Related Scams
Scammers commonly target shippers with:
- Urgent demands for customs duty or import tax payments via unusual channels
- Requests to click links or download attachments claiming to relate to pending shipments
- Requests for VAT registration numbers, EORI numbers, or banking details via unsecured channels
- Threats of shipment seizure or penalties unless immediate payment is made
If you receive suspicious contact claiming to relate to customs declarations or landed-cost assessments, do not respond directly to the message. Instead, use the contact details on HMRC's official website (gov.uk) to verify whether the communication is genuine.
Best Practice for Import/Export Businesses
Maintain a log of recent legitimate HMRC contact. If you receive an unexpected communication about customs duties, VAT, or import documentation:
- Do not click links or download attachments
- Verify using HMRC's official phone number or website
- Ask for a reference number and statement of what is owed
- Report suspected scams to HMRC and Action Fraud
This guidance reinforces HMRC's commitment to protecting traders managing international shipments and customs compliance.
What this means for shippers
As you prepare customs invoices and estimate landed costs, remain vigilant about unsolicited contact claiming to relate to duty assessments or import taxes. Always verify directly with HMRC using official channels before sharing data or making payments. Scammers targeting the logistics industry often exploit uncertainty around tariffs and customs procedures. Learn more about calculating landed costs accurately to ensure you have baseline figures against which to verify any external duty claims.
