Refund Fraud: The last date for filing Income Tax Return is coming closer. Many people are waiting for their refund after filing the return. Cybercriminals have their eyes set on these people. Refund fraud has started to target them.
The Income Tax Department has issued a warning about the fraud happening with people waiting for refund. The department has said that people should not fall into any trap and save themselves from this fraud.
Taxpayers should avoid fake pop-up messages
The Income Tax Department on Wednesday informed in a post on the social media platform X that taxpayers should avoid fake pop-up messages. The department has advised them not to fall prey to such messages. Cybercriminals have used income tax refund as a weapon to steal money from taxpayers’ bank accounts. These people want to obtain bank account information by sending fake messages. The Income Tax Department has issued an advisory to taxpayers after several cases of refund fraud have surfaced from across the country.
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People are being cheated in this way
According to the Income Tax Department, if you are waiting for a refund, then you need to be a little careful. The messages that cyber thugs are sending say that the refund has been approved in your name. This money will be credited to your account soon. Verify your account number or update your bank account details by going to the link given below. The Income Tax Department has appealed not to respond to such messages.
Kind Attention Taxpayers!
🚨 Don’t fall for fake pop-up messages! #StaySafeOnline#CyberCrimePrevention pic.twitter.com/USapVlhwnF
— Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) July 17, 2024
Last date for filing returns is 31st July
According to the department, this link takes the taxpayers to a fake website. An OTP is sent there to update the account. As soon as the OTP is entered, the scammers withdraw money from the bank account. The Income Tax Department said that it does not send such messages or emails. The refund is sent directly to the taxpayers’ bank account. Its information is given through e-mail or message on mobile number. The last date for filing returns is July 31, 2024. All of you should file the return before this date to avoid penalty.
