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Income tax e-mail scam.

The Income Tax Department has recently warned taxpayers that a new wave of fake refund e-mails and messages is spreading. These e-mails appear official, but are actually scammers who trick people into stealing personal and banking information. Often such e-mails contain minor spelling mistakes and the links are fake, on clicking which your information can be stolen.

How do phishing emails work?

Scammers try to pretend that the e-mail or message has come from the Income Tax Department and you are going to get the refund immediately. For this they instigate the user to click on fake links. If you click on the link and fill sensitive information like password, OTP, bank details or Aadhaar, your data can be stolen and bank fraud can occur.

way to stay safe

The department has said that all tax related information should be verified only from the official website www.incometax.gov.in. Avoid clicking on any e-mail, SMS or social media link. If you receive any suspicious e-mail, immediately forward it to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and send a copy to incident@cert-in.org.in. This helps authorities to prevent online tax scams.

KIND ATTENTION TAXPAYERS! 🚨Received Fake tax refund communication?

Check the senders address carefully before clicking any link. ✔️Verify only on: https://t.co/GYvO3mStKf ✔️Forward suspicious mails to: webmanager@incometax.gov.in ✔️CC: incident@cert-in.org.in

Stay alert. pic.twitter.com/rsouejo5yI

— Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) December 17, 2025

Fake deduction and exemption address

Not only fake refunds, but cases of fake deductions and exemptions in income tax filing have also come to light. The department has found that some agents were filing false income tax returns for commission by creating a network across the country. These claims are often made in the name of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) or certain charitable institutions, so as to avoid tax and get wrong refunds.

How is fraud detected?

The Income Tax Department uses advanced data analytics and AI-based profiling. Unusual patterns are caught by cross-checking banking records, trust filings, Form 26AS, PAN database and transaction trails. Where irregularities are found, search, survey and follow-up action is taken under sections 132 and 133A.

Key advice for taxpayers

The Income Tax Department has stressed that no official e-mail or SMS ever asks for password, OTP, bank details or Aadhaar information. Always check updates from official websites and verified social media handles only. Report any suspicious or strange communication immediately. Such vigilance will not only keep your pocket safe, but will also help in preventing income tax fraud.