Beware of fake tax alerts: Press Information Bureau flags phishing emails targeting citizens

Authorities caution users about fraudulent emails impersonating the Income Tax Department, urging immediate action on false compliance issues while attempting to extract sensitive financial and personal information from unsuspecting recipients.

The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has issued a public advisory warning citizens about a phishing scam involving emails falsely claiming to be from the Income Tax Department. The alert follows reports of messages circulating online that refer to alleged “compliance gaps” in income tax return filings and prompt recipients to act urgently.

According to officials, the fraudulent emails are designed to create panic by suggesting discrepancies in tax submissions. These messages often include links or instructions asking users to share personal, financial, or banking details under the pretext of resolving the issue.

Fake claims and official clarification

The Fact Check unit has confirmed that such emails are not issued by the Income Tax Department and are part of a phishing attempt aimed at deceiving individuals. Authorities stressed that official tax-related communications are sent only through authorised channels, including government portals and registered communication systems.

Citizens have been advised not to engage with unsolicited emails that demand immediate action, particularly those requesting confidential information or directing users to unfamiliar websites.

Safety measures and public advisory

Officials have urged individuals to verify any tax-related notice through official government platforms before responding. Clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources can lead to financial fraud or data theft.

Recipients of such emails are advised to ignore them and report the incident to relevant authorities. The Fact Check unit has also shared contact options, including a WhatsApp number and email ID, to help users report misleading or suspicious messages.

The advisory highlights the increasing use of phishing tactics where cybercriminals impersonate government agencies using official-looking formats to gain trust. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, cross-check information, and rely only on verified sources for updates related to income tax and financial matters.