Fake ITR refund emails on the rise: How to stay safe from phishing scams

The government has warned taxpayers about a new phishing scam promising fake income tax refunds. Fraudsters are sending emails posing as the Income Tax Department, luring people with refund claims of up to ₹60,000.

These emails often mention “manual verification” for refunds above ₹25,000 under fake RBI or PMLA rules. Many taxpayers, waiting for their genuine Income Tax Return (ITR) refunds, may click on these fraudulent links without thinking twice.

As flagged by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit, these emails contain links or attachments that lead to fake websites. These sites look like official income tax portals but aim to steal passwords, bank details, or Aadhaar information. Some links can also infect devices with malware.

The Income Tax Department has clarified that it never asks for sensitive details like passwords or PINs through emails, calls, or messages. Taxpayers should not click on any suspicious links or download attachments claiming to offer refunds.

How to spot the scam?

According to Value Research, these phishing emails look genuine because they use official logos and familiar terms like “assessment year 2024-25”. However, the real department never requests refunds to be claimed by clicking on a link or sharing bank details over email.

Always check the sender’s email address. Look for spelling errors or unusual domain names. Do not trust messages that create urgency or threaten account suspension if you do not respond.

What you should do?

• Always visit the official Income Tax website — www.incometax.gov.in — to check refund status.
• Do not click on suspicious links or attachments.
• Do not share your bank details, OTPs, or passwords over email.
• Report suspicious emails to phishing@incometax.gov.in.
• If you think you may have clicked a fake link, change your passwords immediately and inform your bank.