Before You Click That Tax Link, Check If It’s Genuine: Income Tax Department:

As more tax-related services move online, taxpayers need to be alert about phishing emails and fake websites that pose as the Income Tax Department.

Hackers may send emails, messages or website links that look official and try to trick people into giving sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, bank details, credit card information and PINs. Some links or attachments may contain malicious software.

Taxpayers should beware of emails requesting confidential information or directing them to unknown websites. They should not reply to such emails, open attachments or click on suspicious links. They should also avoid copying and pasting suspicious links into their browsers.

The Income Tax Department does not send emails asking taxpayers to share PINs, passwords or credit and bank account details. People should therefore verify any such communication before taking action.

Taxpayers should also keep their antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall software updated to protect their devices from malicious files and programs.

If you receive any suspicious email or see any fake website impersonating Income Tax Department, you can report it by forwarding the email or website URL to [email protected].

You can forward the suspicious email in its entirety. Alternatively, taxpayers can provide its internet header, which contains information that may help authorities trace the source. Delete the suspicious message after reporting it.

If phishing email is not related to Income Tax Department, it can be directly reported to [email protected].

Even if an email or website appears to be authentic taxpayers should remember to only provide financial or login details if they have independently verified they are using the official government service.