Income Tax Department flags concerns regarding an increase in misleading messages aimed at taxpayers

The Income Tax Department has issued a public warning about an increase in fraudulent messages circulating that are designed to trick taxpayers into disclosing sensitive information. The messages frequently state that the receiver is entitled a tax refund and may include a link that, if clicked, would redirect the victim to a phoney website that seems to be the official Income Tax Department website.

Once the victim puts their personal information on the bogus website, the fraudsters have access to it and can use it to perform identity theft or financial fraud.

Tips from Income Tax Department in the aid of taxpayers to avoid falling into these scams

Do not click on links in unwanted messages: If you get messages purporting to be from the Income Tax Department, do not click on any of the links in the message. Instead, go straight to the official Income Tax Department website to confirm the message’s validity.

Be cautious of messages that request personal information: The Income Tax Department would never request personal information from you by email or text message. It is a fraud if you receive a message asking for your PAN number, bank account number, or other personal information.

Use strong passwords and security practices: Make sure your email, bank accounts, and other internet accounts have strong passwords. When feasible, you should also activate two-factor authentication.

Be careful of the indicators of a scam: If a message appears to be too good to be true, it most often is. Look for spelling and grammatical flaws, as well as other red flags that signal a hoax.

If you believe you have been the victim of a tax refund fraud, you should alert the Income Tax Department right once. You may also make a complaint with your local Cybercrime Police Station.

Additional tips to help you protect yourself from tax refund scams

Use only the official Income Tax Department website to file your taxes: Many fake websites that appear to be the official Income Tax Department website are really frauds. Make certain that you only file your taxes on the proper website.

Keep your software up to date: Security patches are frequently included in software updates, which can help protect you against scammers. Maintain the latest versions of your software, including your web browser, email client, and antivirus software.

Keep up with the latest scams: Scammers are always devising new schemes, thus it is critical to be informed of the most recent ones. On the websites of the Income Tax Department and the Cybercrime Police Station, you may obtain information on the most recent frauds.