Indian Income Tax Department warns Public against New Phishing Scam via SMS Promising Tax Refunds

The new phishing scam that is shared via SMS has been taking the people in India on its grips as it claims to be from the Income Tax (IT) Department of India, and promises refund for the tax returns. Thus, the IT Department of India has issued a warning for the people that they should beware of the messages that are being floated through phone promising tax returns, as it is nothing else but a new phishing scam. The IT Department has sent emails to all the registered users, in order to warn them about these fake IT returns messages, and asking them not to fall prey to the same.

People who have received those fake text messages pretending to have come from Income Tax Department shared the same on Twitter. The most surprising fact about this message is they were addressed to the correct person whose mobile phone number is linked with the e-filing account of Income Tax. An example of one such message goes like: "Dear Pradeep K (the name linked with phone number on e-filing website), Income Tax requires you to click the link below to submit a formal request for the remittance of your unclaimed overdue tax-refund on Rs. 29,754". In the end of SMS message there is a Bitly link going to the fake State Bank of India online banking website, in which the user have been asked to fill in their credit or debit card details, so as to complete the tax refund details.

This is a classic example of phishing where the fraudster wants to steal the State Bank of India internet banking login information. Everyone should be aware that the IT Department never asks anyone to give their banking login information to access any of their services.

The Official handle of Income Tax Department wrote in one of the Twitter post that "beware of fake refund messages claiming to be from the Income Tax Deptt. Please do not click on any link asking for bank details, Debit card/ CVV numbers. Don't fall prey to phishing!".

Everyone should keep in mind that the IT department never sends any link to the people in case refund is due. Besides, entering the credit card or debit card information on the sites sent through SMS link must be avoided as this might be a phishing scam for stealing the card information.

» SPAMfighter News - 12/31/2018