The Income Tax Department has issued a fresh public advisory warning taxpayers about a sharp rise in Income Tax fake emails and SMS scams. With cybercriminals increasingly impersonating tax authorities, the department has urged citizens—especially senior citizens—to stay alert and verify every communication claiming to be from the Income Tax Department. The warning comes amid growing instances of phishing emails, fake SMS alerts, and look-alike websites designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
Rising Threat of Income Tax Fake Emails and SMS Scams
According to the advisory shared by the Income Tax Department, Government of India, fraudsters are using sophisticated methods to deceive taxpayers. These include fake sender IDs, forged email addresses, and websites that closely resemble the official income tax portal. The goal of these scams is to trick individuals into sharing confidential information such as PAN details, login passwords, bank account data, and one-time passwords (OTPs).
The department stressed that Income Tax fake emails and SMS scams often create urgency by claiming issues such as pending refunds, incorrect filings, or notices of penalties. Unsuspecting taxpayers may click on malicious links or download harmful attachments, leading to identity theft or financial loss.
How Fraudsters Impersonate the Income Tax Department
Cybercriminals involved in Income Tax fake emails and SMS scams carefully mimic official communication styles. They use government logos, formal language, and even reference recent tax filings to appear legitimate. Many scams redirect users to fake portals that closely resemble the official income tax website, making it difficult for users to spot the difference at first glance.
The Income Tax Department has clarified that only one official website should be used for tax-related services:
https://www.incometax.gov.in
Any website using altered spellings, additional words like “e filing”, or different domain extensions should be treated as suspicious. Taxpayers are advised to double-check website URLs before entering any personal information.
Important Reminder: What the Income Tax Department Never Asks For
To counter the growing threat of Income Tax fake emails and SMS scams, the department reiterated some crucial points for taxpayers:
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The Income Tax Department never asks for OTPs, passwords, or PINs
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No confidential information is requested through email, SMS, or phone calls
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Refunds and notices are communicated only through the official portal or verified channels
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Any message creating panic or urgency should be treated with caution
The advisory carries a clear message: “Think Twice, Act Wise.”
Steps to Stay Safe from Income Tax Fake Emails and SMS Scams
Taxpayers can protect themselves by following simple but effective safety practices:
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Verify the sender’s email address carefully before opening any message
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Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages
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Access tax services only through the official income tax portal
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Never share OTPs, passwords, or bank details with anyone
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Educate senior citizens and family members who may be more vulnerable to scams
Awareness remains the strongest defence against digital fraud.
How to Report Suspicious Income Tax Scams
The Income Tax Department has also encouraged taxpayers to report suspected phishing attempts. If you receive a suspicious email or message related to income tax matters, you should:
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Forward the email to webmanager@incometax.gov.in
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Mark a copy to incident@cert-in.org.in, India’s national cyber incident response agency
For official assistance, taxpayers can contact the Income Tax Department helpdesk at:
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1800 103 0025
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080 46122000
Prompt reporting helps authorities take action and prevents others from falling victim to similar scams.
Protecting Senior Citizens and Vulnerable Taxpayers
The advisory places special emphasis on protecting senior citizens, who are often targeted in Income Tax fake emails and SMS scams due to limited digital familiarity. The department has urged citizens to share this information widely within families and communities to ensure everyone stays informed and cautious.
The rise in Income Tax fake emails and SMS scams highlights the growing need for digital awareness and cyber hygiene. As fraudsters become more sophisticated, taxpayers must remain vigilant and rely only on official channels for tax-related communication. By thinking before clicking, verifying sources, and reporting suspicious activity, taxpayers can safeguard their finances and personal data.
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