ITR Refund Scam Alert: – The Income Tax Department has issued a strong warning to taxpayers, urging them not to fall victim to scam artists who are defrauding people through fake Income Tax Return (ITR) refund schemes. This advisory comes as the department has noticed a surge in fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting taxpayers across the country.
Key Warnings and Red Flags
In a series of tweets on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), the Income Tax Department highlighted major red flags that ITR filers should look out for when they receive messages related to tax refunds via email or on their social media accounts.
- Pop-up Messages: The department emphasized that it never communicates with taxpayers through pop-up windows on websites. Taxpayers are advised to close any such pop-up messages immediately and report them to the Income Tax Department.
- Unsolicited Communications: Taxpayers should never respond to unsolicited messages or calls from unknown individuals or sources promising refunds or financial benefits.
- Unverified Sources: Trust only verified sources and official channels for information. The Income Tax Department does not contact individuals through social media messages or third-party apps.
- Sharing Personal Information: The department cautioned taxpayers against sharing sensitive personal information, such as OTPs (One-Time Passwords), bank account details, PAN (Permanent Account Number), and Aadhaar details, with anyone claiming to be from the Income Tax Department.
- Clicking on Unverified Links: Taxpayers are warned against clicking on links from unverified sources, as these could lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information.
Real-life Example of ITR Fraud
The department shared a recent instance of ITR fraud to illustrate the severity of the issue. In this case, a man lost Rs 1.5 lakh after clicking on a fake income tax refund message. He was directed to download a fraudulent app, which resulted in his phone being hacked and money being debited from his bank account.
Advisory to Taxpayers
To safeguard against these scams, the Income Tax Department has outlined five major points for taxpayers to keep in mind:
- Stay Alert: Always be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls from strangers, especially those promising financial gains or tax refunds.
- Trust Only Verified Sources: Do not rely on unverified sources claiming to represent the Income Tax Department. Always confirm the authenticity of the communication through official channels.
- Protect Personal Information: Never share personal details like OTPs, bank account numbers, PAN, or Aadhaar information with unknown individuals or websites.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Do not click on links or download attachments from unverified emails or messages claiming to be related to the Income Tax Department.
- Use Official Websites for e-Payment: Make sure to e-pay your income tax only through the official Income Tax Department website or authorized banking partners.
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