You could be exposing yourself to potential scams
People holding a National Insurance number have received an urgent alert from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). In a recent update, HMRC urged people to “keep it safe”.
This crucial number could be exploited for identity theft and fraudulent activities, including illegally claiming benefits or securing loans. 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.” You receive a National Insurance number just before turning 16, and it stays with you throughout your lifetime.
It ensures your National Insurance contributions and tax records are properly attributed to you alone. The number consists of two letters, six digits and a concluding letter – for instance, QQ123456B.
Your National Insurance number appears on tax-related paperwork such as your payslip or P60. You can also request a letter containing it and locate your National Insurance number digitally.
Those who have never possessed one can apply for a National Insurance number. The Government website recommends using the HMRC smartphone app to verify your National Insurance number.
GOV.UK states: “The HMRC app is a quick and easy way to get information about your tax, National Insurance and benefits.”
You can also use it to check your:
- Tax code
- Income and benefits
- Employment and income history from the previous five years
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
- Self Assessment tax and how much you owe
- Child Benefit
- State Pension forecast
- Gaps in National Insurance contributions
How to access the app
Download the app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Launch the app and input your Government Gateway user ID and password to log in initially.
Should you lack a user ID, you can establish one through the app. You’ll subsequently be able to access the app swiftly and conveniently by logging in using either:
- A six-digit PIN
- Your fingerprint
- Facial recognition
If you don’t have a UK address and are unaware of your National Insurance number, follow the guidance to locate a lost National Insurance number here.
Protecting your NI number
GOV.UK states: “To prevent identity fraud, do not share your National Insurance number with anyone who does not need it.”
These organisations may need to know what your number is:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Your employer
- The Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits, or in Northern Ireland the Department for Social Development
- Your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit, or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Electoral Registration Officers (to check your identity when you register to vote)
- The Student Loans Company, if you apply for a student loan
- Your pension provider if you have a personal or stakeholder pension
- Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) provider, if you open an ISA
- Authorised financial service providers who help you buy and sell investments like shares, bonds and derivatives – you can check if your provider is authorised
- Veterans UK