Got income tax refund email? It could be a scam
What's the story
The Income Tax Department has issued a warning about a new wave of phishing attacks targeting taxpayers. Scammers are sending fake emails that closely resemble official communication from the department, with the intent to steal personal and financial data. These fraudulent messages often contain minor spelling errors and fake links designed to appear genuine. Clicking on them can lead to identity theft, banking fraud, and misuse of sensitive taxpayer information.
Verification process
Advisory urges verification through official website
The IT Department has advised citizens to verify all tax-related information only through its official website, www.incometax.gov.in. It also warned against clicking on the links received via email, SMS, or social media claiming refund updates. Taxpayers are encouraged to report any suspicious email by forwarding them to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and marking a copy to incident@cert-in.org.in for cybersecurity action.
Seasonal surge
Phishing attempts rise
The warning from the IT Department comes as phishing attempts tend to increase during the income tax refund season. Fraudsters exploit urgency and confusion among taxpayers during this time. The department reiterated that it never asks for passwords, OTPs, bank details or Aadhaar information through emails or any unofficial link.
Fraud crackdown
Department intensifies action against organized tax fraud
In a related development, the IT Department has stepped up its efforts against organized tax fraud involving bogus deductions/exemptions. Investigations have revealed pan-India networks of agents who file IT returns on a commission basis by inflating or fabricating the deductions under the Income Tax Act. Many fraudulent claims were linked to donations made to Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) and certain charitable institutions.