Income Tax Department Warns of Surge in Sophisticated Taxpayer Scams
The Income Tax Department has issued an urgent new warning to all taxpayers across India. It is alerting the public to a sharp increase in sophisticated scams where criminals impersonate tax officials. These fraudsters are using fake emails, text messages, and websites to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
The advisory specifically highlights that senior citizens are being heavily targeted. Scammers often prey on older individuals who may be less familiar with digital communication from government agencies. However, the department stresses that all taxpayers must remain extremely vigilant.
How the Scams Operate
The scams typically involve communication that appears to come from the official Income Tax Department. Fraudsters create emails and SMS messages that look authentic. They often use official-looking logos, fake document headers, and threatening language to create a sense of urgency.
A common tactic is to send a message claiming there is an issue with the recipient’s tax return or refund. The message will include a link to a fraudulent website that mimics the department’s genuine e-filing portal. When taxpayers enter their login credentials, bank details, or Aadhaar information on these fake sites, the data is stolen directly by criminals.
Another method involves emails with malicious attachments labeled as “notice” or “intimation.” Opening these attachments can install spyware or viruses on the user’s device, allowing hackers to access stored files and passwords.
Official Channels and Red Flags
The Income Tax Department has clarified that all official communication is sent through specific, secure channels. Genuine notices are available for viewing by logging directly into the user’s account on the official e-filing website. The department does not ask for personal PINs, passwords, or credit card information via email or SMS.
Taxpayers should watch for clear red flags. These include messages creating undue panic, demands for immediate payment through unusual methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and links to websites with slightly misspelled or suspicious web addresses. Any email claiming to be from the department but sent from a generic email service like Gmail or Yahoo is almost certainly fake.
Steps to Protect Yourself
If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or download attachments. Do not reply with any personal information. You should independently visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal by typing the address directly into your browser to check for any authentic notices.
Suspected phishing attempts should be reported immediately. The department has a dedicated email address for this purpose. Forward the suspicious email to spam@incometax.gov.in and then delete it from your inbox. For SMS scams, you can forward the message to the number 92249 02249.
For investors and taxpayers, this warning is a critical reminder to practice good digital hygiene. Always use strong, unique passwords for your tax portal and financial accounts. Enable two-factor authentication where available. Regularly monitor your bank and credit statements for any unauthorized activity.
Staying informed about these scams is a key part of financial security. As tax season approaches and digital interactions increase, verifying the source of every communication is the best defense against falling victim to these costly and stressful frauds.
