The Income Tax Department has cautioned taxpayers against a surge in refund-related fraud attempts, warning that scammers are exploiting delays and heightened expectations around tax refunds through fake emails, phone calls and SMS messages.In a message posted on X, the department urged taxpayers not to share one-time passwords (OTPs), bank details or personal information in response to unsolicited communications claiming to be from tax authorities.According to the department, fraudulent messages often contain minor spelling errors and fake links designed to appear authentic. Clicking such links may lead to identity theft, banking fraud and misuse of sensitive taxpayer information.The department advised taxpayers to verify all tax-related communication only through its official portal — incometax.gov.in — and avoid clicking on links received via email, SMS or social media claiming refund updates.The Income Tax Department’s message on X stated: “Fake messages may claim a refund or urgent action and push you to click a link. Don’t fall for it — never share OTPs or bank details. The department has asked taxpayers to verify communications on the official portal (incometax.gov.in). Report suspicious messages to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and mark a copy to incident@cert-in.org.in.”
How the tax refund scam works
Explaining the modus operandi, the department said fraudsters typically target taxpayers awaiting refunds by sending messages claiming that their income tax return is delayed, incomplete or stuck.Such messages use alarming phrases like “urgent action required”, “refund pending” or warnings of penalties if details are not verified. The message usually includes a link that redirects users to a fake website designed to resemble the official Income Tax portal.Victims are then prompted to enter personal details, bank account information, PAN numbers and OTPs, which are subsequently misused by fraudsters.
Income Tax Department advisory
The department issued the following precautions for taxpayers:
- Never share OTPs, passwords or bank details
- Verify all communications only through incometax.gov.in
- Avoid clicking on suspicious refund links
Examples of fake messages include alerts such as:“Dear taxpayer, your refund is pending. Click now to avoid penalty incometax-refund-claim.xyz”.
How to report suspicious messages
Taxpayers receiving fraudulent messages can report them at:
- webmanager@incometax.gov.in
- Copy to: incident@cert-in.org.in
- For assistance, taxpayers may contact the helpline numbers: 1800 103 0025 or 080-46122000.
What to do if your e-filing account is compromised
The department said individuals who suspect unauthorised access to their e-filing accounts should immediately report the matter to police or cybercrime authorities. Complaints can be filed online through cybercrime.gov.in/While filing a cybercrime complaint, taxpayers should include details such as PAN or Aadhaar information, a brief description of the incident, date and time of suspected misuse, when the breach was detected and any relevant supporting information.
