Received an ITR refund message? Income Tax Department flags surge in fake emails, SMS and calls - DETAILS

If you have received any an email or SMS that claims your income tax refund is pending, the Income Tax Department has issued a serious warning you should not be ignoring.

The department has flagged a rise in refund-related fraud attempts, with scammers targeting taxpayers who are waiting for their income tax refunds. Fraudsters are sending fake emails, text messages and even making phone calls, pretending to be officials from the tax department.

In a recent post on X, the department cautioned taxpayers against sharing sensitive details such as one-time passwords (OTPs), bank account information or personal data in response to unsolicited messages. It stressed that no genuine tax authority will ask for confidential details through unofficial communication channels.

These messages often use urgent language such as “Immediate action required,” “Refund pending,” or warnings about penalties if details are not verified. A link is usually attached, directing the recipient to a fake website that closely resembles the official income tax portal.

Once on the fraudulent site, victims are asked to enter sensitive details including PAN numbers, bank account information and OTPs. This data is then misused for identity theft, financial fraud or unauthorised transactions.

The department noted that many of these fake messages contain minor spelling mistakes or suspicious web links that are designed to look authentic at first glance.

In its message, the department clearly stated that fake communications may push users to click on a link in the name of claiming a refund or completing urgent verification. It reiterated that taxpayers must never share OTPs, passwords or bank details in response to such messages.

Never share OTPs, passwords or bank account details with anyone.

Verify all tax-related information only on the official portal.

Do not click on suspicious links claiming to offer refund updates.

A typical fraudulent message may read: “Dear taxpayer, your refund is pending. Click now to avoid penalty,” followed by a suspicious link.

While submitting a complaint, taxpayers should provide details such as their PAN or Aadhaar number, a brief description of the incident, the date and time of suspected misuse, when the breach was detected, and any supporting evidence.

With refund season underway, the department has urged taxpayers to stay alert and rely only on official channels to track their refund status, ensuring their financial and personal information remains secure.