In I-T return season, fraudsters strike with fake tax-benefit message
Times of India | 27 July 2024
A recurring phishing scam since 2018 targets taxpayers with fake I-T department messages, leading to significant financial losses for many. KOLKATA: If you have recently received an email from the ‘Income Tax department’ asking you if you have availed of I-T refunds and benefits as announced in the recent budget or informing you of a windfall after you filed your returns, stay alert and think before you click on multiple links you receive online.
It’s a nationwide phishing fraud that operates each year.Yet, unfailingly since 2018, tax payers have fallen in this trap, said cops and tax consultants. This takes place despite multiple alerts each year by the Income Tax department, the police and ministries.
The latest to fall in this trap was a retired central government employee residing in suburban Kolkata. He ended up losing Rs 83,000 from his savings. The victim had clicked on a link that promised to “teach” him the latest benefits on offer. He was lured to share information and click on that link. Since a few more days remain for filing the income tax returns, the Kolkata Police and Bengal Police have reissued a detailed advisory.
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Under the first modus operandi, scammers are sending fake text messages, claiming that the benefits declared in the Union budget have been discussed here. These text messages also include a link to download an Android Package (APK) file. “If installed with the app linked with an APK file, the app looks similar to the real bank application and users are then tricked to enter their banking details in the fake app leading to financial losses,” claimed an officer.
A second modus operandi kicks in after submission of the I-T returns. The accused, in these cases, lure people to submit their bank details for refund. “Do not click on any link received via text message, disguised as a message from the Inco- me Tax department,” said an officer of the detective department. Those carrying out banking transactions using Android phones are more prone to such fraud, claimed officers.
Banks — both public and private — said though there has been no confirmation of anyone being duped as yet, customers do end up getting such fake SMSes.
“The phishing website looks genuine and there is always the chance of victims being trapped,” said an officer from the vigilance unit of a private sector bank.