LONDON, Sept 29 – HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent warning to all UK residents with a National Insurance number, stressing the need to keep it secure to prevent identity fraud and financial crime.
The agency said the unique identifier, used to link individuals with their tax and benefit records, could be exploited by criminals to illegally claim benefits or secure loans.
Why your National Insurance number matters
A National Insurance number is allocated shortly before an individual’s 16th birthday and remains in place for life. It ensures contributions and tax records are correctly assigned and is required for employment, benefits and pensions.
The number is made up of two letters, six digits, and a final letter. It typically appears on payslips, P60s, or official HMRC correspondence.
HMRC’s official advice
On social media platform X, HMRC warned: “Oversharing isn’t caring only share your National Insurance number when you really need to. Keep it safe in the HMRC app. Download today.”
The message highlights growing concerns over identity fraud and urges people to limit sharing the number to only trusted organisations, such as HMRC, employers, pension providers and authorised financial services firms.
Using the HMRC app
The government recommends using the HMRC app as a secure way to access and confirm a National Insurance number. Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the app also allows users to check their tax code, benefits, state pension forecast, and employment history.
To access the app, users need a Government Gateway ID and password. Once set up, the app can be used with a six-digit PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition for quick logins.
Who may need your number
HMRC listed several authorised bodies that may legitimately request a National Insurance number. These include the Department for Work and Pensions, local councils handling Housing Benefit, Electoral Registration Officers, the Student Loans Company, and ISA providers.
However, GOV.UK advises that the number should never be shared with organisations or individuals who do not require it, warning that misuse could enable fraudulent claims or credit applications.
Wider digital security push
The government has been stepping up efforts to encourage stronger digital security, with the HMRC app positioned as part of its strategy to reduce fraud risks. Officials say that by centralising access to tax and benefit information in a secure platform, individuals can minimise exposure to scams and unauthorised use of their details.
Consumer groups, meanwhile, have welcomed the reminder but stressed that awareness remains a challenge. They warn that many people continue to share their National Insurance number casually on forms or through unverified emails, leaving them vulnerable to cybercrime.
Identity fraud concerns
The warning comes amid rising concerns about identity theft. Criminals who gain access to a National Insurance number may attempt to impersonate individuals, potentially affecting benefits, tax records, or access to credit.
Industry experts say that once fraud occurs, it can take months to resolve and may cause lasting damage to financial records. HMRC’s advice reflects the growing importance of safeguarding personal data in an increasingly digital environment.
HMRC’s warning underlines the need for caution when sharing personal information. National Insurance numbers are critical for employment, benefits, and pensions, but in the wrong hands they can facilitate fraud.
The Pie app helps users track their tax, income, and expenses securely, offering clarity at a time when protecting personal information is essential to financial wellbeing.
