New Delhi [India], December 13 (ANI): The Income Tax Department has issued a public advisory warning taxpayers, particularly senior citizens, about an increase in fraudulent emails, SMS messages, and websites impersonating the Department to steal personal and financial information.
In an official message shared on X, the Department urged taxpayers to verify the authenticity of all communications claiming to be from tax authorities. Fraudsters are reportedly using fake sender IDs, misleading links, and look-alike websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive details such as PAN numbers, passwords, and one-time passwords (OTPs).
The Department emphasised that taxpayers should only access tax services through the official portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in. Any other websites resembling the official domain, including variations using “efiling” or altered spellings, should be treated as suspicious.
The advisory, titled “Think Twice, Act Wise,” reminded citizens that the Income Tax Department never asks for OTPs, passwords, or confidential information via email, SMS, or phone calls. Taxpayers are encouraged to carefully check sender email addresses and website domains before clicking any links.
To report suspicious activity, the Department advised forwarding suspected phishing emails to [email protected], with a copy to [email protected]. For assistance, citizens can contact the official helpdesk at 1800 103 0025 or 080 46122000.
The campaign is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote cyber hygiene and protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, from digital fraud. The Department urged the public to share the advisory widely to safeguard family and loved ones.
“Think before you click—stay tax smart, stay safe,” the advisory concluded, reinforcing that awareness and caution remain the strongest defence against online tax scams.
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