First thought
Cover your name, address and any reference number with a pen or delete them from the text. Paste what is left. You want: who it says it is from, what it wants, and by when. You do not want a guess about your rights.
First prompt
Highlighted [brackets] are the parts you replace. Only paste information you’re allowed to share with the tool you’re using.
The promptExplain this letter in simple language an everyday person would understand. I have removed my name, address and reference numbers. This is to help me understand the words, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Explain this letter in simple language an everyday person would understand. I have removed my name, address and reference numbers. This is to help me understand the words, not legal, tax or financial advice.
LETTER:
"""
[paste the letter]
"""
1. In three sentences: who it says it is from, what it is about, and whether it asks me to do anything.
2. List every action, date, amount and reference it mentions. Quote the wording.
3. Explain jargon in a few words each.
4. Questions I should ask the sender, and what to have ready.
5. Anything that is a reason to check it is genuine before I pay or reply (rush to pay, odd payment method, contact details that don't match the organisation's own website).
If the letter does not say something, write "not stated". Do not guess.What good looks like
- You can say, in your own words, what the letter wants.
- Dates and amounts match the letter, because they are quoted.
- You still know you need the sender or Citizens Advice if you are unsure, not the chat tool.
Next step
Other small things that help
- Rewrite it so you do not sound cross
- A reply when you have been staring at the message
- Questions to ask before a call you are dreading
Sources
- GOV.UK (HMRC), "Check a list of genuine HMRC contacts" Government guidance
- GOV.UK (HMRC), "Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls" Government guidance
- Citizens Advice Charity guidance