Your Income Tax Return of ₹20,000 has been approved. The amount will be credited to your bank account, xxxx2345. To confirm the details, click on the link.
Now, if you receive any such message, then be extra cautious.
You might be the next target of the scammer.
With the tax season around the corner, the Income Tax department has issued a warning for taxpayers to be alert from ITR refund scams operated through calls, messages & emails.
Modus Operandi of ITR Refund Scam in India
Scammers are getting smarter and exploiting every opportunity to scam people. With the growing cyber crimes, it becomes essential for people to be extra cautious to prevent themselves from tax scams in India.
For this, one has to be ready in advance by knowing the way scammers operate this scam.
1. Send You the Phishing Email
Email frauds in India is increasing at an exponential level.
And in this case too, scammers generally reach out to you to execute an ITR refund scam is through a phishing email. They create an email with all your details, which makes it almost impossible for you to spot the fraud.
To make it look authentic, they also added the logo of the Income Tax Department.
Now, to trap you, they add a link that redirects you to the webpage, asking for your details and to verify the bank details.
Once done, they hack your bank account, and by the time you get to know the scam, the amount in the account has already been wiped off.
2. Approach Through Text or Whatsapp Messages
Along with fabricated websites, there are clone apps as well, which either insert malware in your device or make you download fake apps with fabricated data and numbers.
To get it downloaded on your device, scammers generally send a message or WhatsApp with the tempting amount of an ITR refund, which makes you click on the link without thinking.
But as soon as you click on the link, it may redirect you to the webpage or ask you to download the app, and then they get into your bank account and steal your money.
How to Protect Yourself from ITR Refund Scam?
Awareness is the key to protection, and apart from this, you can save your hard-earned money from being stolen. it is important to identify certain red flags like:
- Check the email address carefully. The income tax department reaches out to you via official email only. In case you get an email from Gmail or another common service provider, delete it right away.
- You can also check spellings in case the mail ID seems to be official. They generally use similar mail IDs with a little difference. For example, instead of ITR.helpdesk@incometax.gov.in, they may use ITR.helpdesk@incommetax.gov.in. Difficult to spot the difference, right, but a little attention can protect you from costly frauds.
- In case you have clicked on a link redirecting to a webpage, always check the URL before entering any detail.
- If you ever receive a message regarding an ITR refund, always get it verified by your financial advisor or genuine tax preparer.
- Avoid downloading apps from links provided. In case any such app exists, install it from the Play Store or App Store.
How to Report ITR Refund Scams?
Unfortunately, if you came across this information after getting scammed, then do not fret.
There are ways to report such scams, too. All that is required is to act quickly.
Here are the ways that can help you from facing bigger consequences of the fraud:
- Report any suspicious emails or fake website URLs to webmanager@incometax.gov.in.
- File a cybercrime complaint.
- To get support, call the Income Tax Helpline at 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025.
With the increasing reports of such scams, the income tax department has asked all taxpayers to stay extra cautious and not fall into the greed of a high ITR refund.
