Income Tax Scam Alert: Don’t Fall for Fake Notices Circulating Online, Department Issues Warning

Taxpayers across India are being cautioned against a rising wave of fraudulent messages claiming to be from the Income Tax Department of India. Authorities have warned that several fake emails and messages related to income tax notices are currently circulating on social media, email, and SMS.

According to officials, these messages are phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information from taxpayers. The department has clearly stated that taxpayers must remain cautious and verify any such communication through official channels before taking action.

Fake Income Tax Notices Circulating Online

Recently, several individuals have reported receiving emails that appear to be legitimate notices from the Income Tax Department. These emails claim that an assessment order has been issued for Assessment Year 2025–26 or that the recipient has pending tax dues that must be cleared immediately.

However, officials have confirmed that many of these emails are fraudulent and created by cybercriminals to trick taxpayers.

In most cases, these fake emails contain:

• A link claiming to open the “assessment order”

• An attachment supposedly containing tax details

• Instructions asking users to update banking or personal information

Clicking on these links or downloading attachments can expose users to serious risks.

How Phishing Attacks Work

The department explained that scammers design these emails to look almost identical to official government communications. Once the recipient clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, one of the following may occur:

• Malware may be installed on the device

• The user may be redirected to a fake website

• Sensitive information such as bank details, passwords, or OTPs may be requested

If such information is entered, cybercriminals may gain access to bank accounts or personal data.

PIB Fact Check Flags Fake e-PAN Email Scam

The Press Information Bureau has also warned about another related scam involving fake emails about downloading e-PAN cards.

In this scam, users receive an email claiming that their e-PAN card is ready for download. The email provides a link that appears to lead to the document.

However, the PIB fact-checking unit has confirmed that these emails are fake and intended to either:

• Hack the user’s device

• Install malicious software

• Steal personal information

Citizens are advised not to click on such links.

How to Identify a Genuine Income Tax Notice

To help taxpayers avoid fraud, the Income Tax Department has shared some key indicators of legitimate communications.

Official Email Domain

Any genuine email from the department will only come from official domains such as:

@incometax.gov.in

If an email arrives from any other domain, it is likely fraudulent.

Verify Through the Official Portal

Taxpayers should always verify notices by logging into the official Income Tax e-Filing portal instead of relying on links sent through email or SMS.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email

Authorities have issued strict guidelines on how to respond to suspicious tax-related emails.

Do not reply
Avoid responding to suspicious messages claiming to be from the tax department.

Avoid clicking links
Do not click on any links provided in the email.

Do not download attachments
Attachments may contain harmful malware.

Never share personal details
Do not enter passwords, PINs, OTPs, or bank information on unknown websites.

Use antivirus protection
Ensure that your device has updated antivirus software and firewall protection.

Report the email
Suspicious emails can be reported to the department at:
webmanager@incometax.gov.in

Important Reminder from the Income Tax Department

Officials have emphasized that the Income Tax Department never asks taxpayers for sensitive details such as:

• Passwords

• Credit card information

• Bank account details

• OTPs or PINs

Such information is never requested via email, SMS, or phone calls.

For any tax-related activity, taxpayers should only use the official government e-filing portal.

Conclusion

With cyber fraud on the rise, taxpayers must stay vigilant when receiving messages related to tax notices. Fake emails designed to look like official communications can lead to serious financial losses if personal information is shared.

The safest approach is to verify all tax notices through the official Income Tax portal and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Staying cautious and informed can help protect both personal data and financial security.