IT department warns taxpayers about fake messages and emails

The Income Tax Department (IT) has asked taxpayers to be cautious of ITR refund scams. The IT Department has informed taxpayers that the number of online scams like fake calls and pop-up notifications is increasing continuously.

According to the department, such fake calls and pop-up notifications talk about availing tax refund. The IT Department has said in its advisory that if any taxpayer receives any such fake message, then that message must be officially verified from the IT Department.

What information did the department provide

The department informed in an official post on X that do not respond to emails or visit websites that request credit card numbers, bank account details or any other sensitive information. The Income Tax Department can contact taxpayers from the given email address.

The IT department said on X that the fake message may be like this: You have been approved an income tax refund of Rs 15000 / -, the amount will be deposited in your account soon. Please verify your account number 5XXXXX6777. If it is not correct, please update your bank account information by visiting the link given below.

Also Read: Centre approves infra projects in 4 states including Maharashtra and Karnataka

Send such emails and messages here

The IT department has asked taxpayers to send such fake-fraudulent messages and emails to the department’s official website. If you receive an email that you think is fraudulent, you have to send it to webmanager@incometax.gov.in. A copy of this can also be sent to incident@cert-in.org.in. The tax department said that if you receive a phishing mail, send it to incident@cert-in.org.in. The IT department has warned taxpayers not to respond to fake emails or mails from anyone claiming to be from the tax department or open attachments.

Income Tax Refund

Income tax refund is the refund amount that the income tax department gives back when the amount of tax paid is more than the actual amount. The income tax refund process starts after the taxpayers e-verify the return. Usually, it takes about 4 to 5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the bank account.