This ongoing scam has been observed year after year, particularly after the original ITR filing deadline, as scammers attempt to exploit taxpayers eagerly awaiting their refunds.
With the recent deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) just passed and the subsequent processing of refunds, scammers are seizing the opportunity to target taxpayers with phishing messages. These messages often contain a link falsely claiming that your ITR has been processed and that a refund has been approved. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and avoid clicking on these links.
Recognizing the Scam
The Income Tax Department never quotes any refund amount in their messages or emails. Genuine refund information can only be found in the attachment of the ITR acknowledgment. This ongoing scam has been observed year after year, particularly after the original ITR filing deadline, as scammers attempt to exploit taxpayers eagerly awaiting their refunds.
Income Tax Department’s Warning
The Income Tax Department continuously issues warnings to help taxpayers avoid falling victim to these scams. Recently, many taxpayers have reported receiving phishing messages that ask them to verify their bank account to receive their tax refunds. A typical message might read: “You have been approved a tax refund of Rs 15,490/- which will be credited to your account number 5xxxxx6755. If this is incorrect, please update your bank account information by visiting the link below.”
How to Stay Safe
- Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: The Income Tax Department will never send a link asking you to update your bank account for a refund.
- Protect Your Card Details: Never share your debit card or credit card details, PIN numbers, passwords, or any other sensitive information as requested in these phishing messages.
- Verify the Source: Always verify the authenticity of any message or email claiming to be from the Income Tax Department before taking any action.
Scammers often trick taxpayers into providing sensitive information through fraudulent links. Stay alert and always double-check the legitimacy of messages related to your income tax returns.
Summary
Income tax refund scams are prevalent, especially after the filing deadline. Stay informed and cautious to protect yourself from these fraudulent activities. For any updates or queries, always refer to the official Income Tax Department communications.
Also Read: CBDT Chief Ravi Agarwal’s Advice to Income Tax Officers: Embrace a PRUDENT Approach
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