Are you delighted to have received an unexpected income tax refund message? However, please exercise caution as it might be a scam. The government is issuing a warning to taxpayers, advising them not to disclose passwords, bank details, or OTPs in response to any fake refund messages.
The advancement of technology has reached a point where distinguishing between what is genuine and what is counterfeit has become increasingly difficult. In response, the government is taking additional measures to educate taxpayers and professionals about the possibility of receiving scam messages related to income tax refunds. Some of these fake messages appear so authentic that they closely resemble legitimate communications sent by the tax department.
The fraudulent message requests you to provide your bank details, passwords, or OTPs, alleging to be from the Income Tax Department. The message tricks you into believing that the income tax refund has been processed and credited to your bank account, but the account number provided might be incorrect. Subsequently, you will be asked to update the correct bank details through a link provided. However, this link is designed to steal your identity.
What to do when you receive a Fake Message
Taxpayers are recommended to send such emails or website URLs to webmanager@incometax.gov.in. Additionally, a copy of the suspicious communication should be forwarded to incident@cert.in.org.in. The above image is one such fake message and does not fall for such messages.
Furthermore, taxpayers can seek assistance from their respective tax professionals to verify the authenticity of the message. Always confirm the refunds or status of your ITR filing through the income tax website only.
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