Maharashtra Cyber Police Cell Issues ITR Scam Alert: Fake I-T Officers Target Taxpayers With Phishing Links To Steal PAN, Aadhaar & Bank Details

Mumbai: Mumbai Police have issued an alert about scammers posing as Income Tax (I-T) officers or tax agents and sending fake emails and texts with phishing links. Such phishing links take the user to a fraudulent website that looks official and induce the target to share their PAN, Aadhaar and bank details.

“As the last day to file the ITR is nearing, the scammers will try to dupe unsuspecting citizens who are filing their ITRs or seeking refunds. The scammers pose as I-T officers or fake tax agents and send fake emails and texts with links to the targets. The scammers offer to help fill ITR or help seek quick refund and dupe victims. The scammers also offer cheap ITR filing services just to misuse info of the tax filers,” the alert stated.

In some cases, the scammer also prepares fake ITR apps or websites that install malware. “Always check your tax refund status only on the Income Tax Department’s official website (www.incometax.gov.in). Ignore random tax-related text messages and avoid unrealistic refund offers or shortcuts. If anyone receives such messages, do not click on the links mentioned in those messages as this could lead to phishing fraud. Instead report them to the authorities. The Income Tax department never asks for personal details over SMS, WhatsApp or email,” the alert stated.