How do I check if an HMRC/Advantis text is genuine?

Do not click links. Cross-check on GOV.UK’s genuine HMRC messages page, sign in to your HMRC account independently, or contact Advantis via their official website to confirm your reference.

What is HMRC ‘Time to Pay’?

A payment plan that lets you clear HMRC debt in affordable monthly instalments based on your budget. You can often set this up directly with HMRC.

How do I report a suspected HMRC scam?

Forward texts to 60599 (network rates apply) and/or 7726; forward emails or screenshots to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk; then delete the message.

I cannot afford the amount—what should I do?

Engage early. Explore Time to Pay or ask us to help you build an affordable budget and plan, including other debts, so essentials are protected.

HMRC Debt: Advantis Texts, Time to Pay, and What’s Legit

Q: Is Advantis legit for HMRC debts?

Yes—Advantis is one of the companies HMRC uses to collect certain debts. Always verify through official contact details before paying.

Quick Answer — “Is My Advantis HMRC Text a Scam?”

Some Advantis texts are genuine (Advantis collects debts for HMRC), but many are scams that copy their style. Never click links in a message you weren’t expecting.

Use GOV.UK’s “genuine HMRC messages” page to compare senders and wording.
Sign in to your HMRC account via GOV.UK (not via any link) to check if there’s a balance or letter.
Verify with Advantis using their official site/contact details.

Report phishing: forward texts to 60599 (HMRC) or 7726 (NCSC). Email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk with suspicious emails or screenshots. Then delete the message.

Official resources: Genuine HMRC texts • Report HMRC scams

Step-by-Step: Verify an HMRC/Advantis Text Safely

1) Don’t click links or open attachments

Genuine or not, treat the message as untrusted until you confirm it. Links can lead to convincing fake pages.

2) Check GOV.UK’s genuine HMRC messages page

Compare the sender name/number and wording against GOV.UK’s official list. If it’s not listed, be extra cautious.

Open GOV.UK Check

3) Sign in independently to your HMRC account

Go to GOV.UK and sign in. If there’s a real debt or letter, you’ll see it there. No HMRC account? Use HMRC’s official contact routes on GOV.UK.

4) Verify directly with Advantis (if named)

Contact Advantis via their official site—not via message links—to confirm any reference and balance: advantiscredit.co.uk/hmrc.

More context: your own page Advantis HMRC Text — Genuine or Scam?

5) Report and delete if suspicious

Forward scam texts to 60599 (HMRC) or 7726 (NCSC). Email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk for emails/screenshots. Delete it after reporting.

Time to Pay (TTP): Affordable HMRC Repayments

Time to Pay lets you spread HMRC debt into monthly instalments that reflect your budget. The sooner you engage, the better your options usually are.

What HMRC may ask for

Your income and essential spending
Other debts and priority bills
A realistic monthly amount

Start here: If you cannot pay your tax bill and How Time to Pay works.

Tip: Bring a simple budget. Use our Debt Calculator or we’ll help you build one that protects rent, energy and council tax first.

If You Can’t Afford It (or Have Other Debts Too)

If HMRC debt is one of many pressures, it’s often better to set a single affordable plan across everything—so you’re not over-promising to HMRC and under-delivering elsewhere.

Routes to discuss

Debt Management Plan (DMP) — informal, flexible, many creditors freeze interest/charges.
IVA — formal, one monthly payment; on successful completion, remaining eligible unsecured debt may be written off.
DRO — for low income/low assets; strict eligibility.

While you decide, ask about Breathing Space to legally pause most enforcement for up to 60 days.

Common Scam Red Flags (HMRC/Advantis Style)

“Urgent action in 24 hours” or threats of arrest/warrants
Requests for card details, bank logins, gift cards or crypto
Links to non-GOV.UK sites or odd spellings/domains
Phone numbers that differ by one digit to the real ones

When in doubt: check GOV.UK, sign in independently, and report it.

HMRC & Advantis — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Advantis legit for HMRC debts?

Yes—HMRC uses external agencies including Advantis for some debts. Still, verify first using official contact details: advantiscredit.co.uk/hmrc.

Does HMRC send texts with links?

HMRC lists examples of genuine messages on GOV.UK. Even if a message looks real, the safest route is to avoid clicking and sign in to your HMRC account via GOV.UK to confirm.

How do I report an HMRC scam?

Forward texts to 60599 (network charges apply) or 7726 (free to report to your mobile provider). Forward emails/screenshots to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Then delete the message.

What if the debt isn’t mine?

Do not pay. Ask HMRC/Advantis to prove liability and correct their records. We can help you draft a calm, precise response.

Can Advantis agree a Time to Pay?

They can help you engage, but HMRC may still need to confirm the plan. Bring a realistic budget to speed things up.

Will this affect my credit file?

HMRC debts can lead to court action if ignored. Early engagement and a fair plan reduce risk. If you have broader arrears, consider a unified solution.

HMRC Debt: Advantis Texts, Time to Pay, and What’s Legit

Quick Answer — “Is My Advantis HMRC Text a Scam?”

Step-by-Step: Verify an HMRC/Advantis Text Safely

1) Don’t click links or open attachments

2) Check GOV.UK’s genuine HMRC messages page

3) Sign in independently to your HMRC account

4) Verify directly with Advantis (if named)

5) Report and delete if suspicious

Time to Pay (TTP): Affordable HMRC Repayments

What HMRC may ask for

If You Can’t Afford It (or Have Other Debts Too)

Routes to discuss

Common Scam Red Flags (HMRC/Advantis Style)

HMRC & Advantis — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Advantis legit for HMRC debts?

Does HMRC send texts with links?

How do I report an HMRC scam?

What if the debt isn’t mine?

Can Advantis agree a Time to Pay?

Will this affect my credit file?

Popular Links (Official & Helpful)

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