Tax Refund Scam Alert | Stay Safe

Beware of Fake Income Tax Refund Messages

Important Scam Alert for Taxpayers • 2026 Security Bulletin

The Income Tax Department has recently cautioned taxpayers about a sharp rise in fraudulent refund messages and phishing attempts. Scammers are posing as officials to trick you into sharing sensitive financial details during the peak refund season.

How These Scams Operate

  1. Misleading Refund Messages: Claims that your refund is "pending" or "blocked" due to verification issues.
  2. Creating Fear: Using phrases like "verify immediately" or "penalty will be charged" to induce panic.
  3. Fake Website Links: Links lead to clones of the official portal with slightly misspelled URLs.
  4. Data Collection: Requests for your PAN, OTP, bank passwords, or debit card details.

How to Protect Yourself

The Department never asks for OTPs or passwords via SMS or phone calls.

Visit Official Portal: www.incometax.gov.in
  • Manual Entry: Always type the URL directly into your browser.
  • Sender Check: Verify that emails come from @incometax.gov.in domains only.
  • Pause Before Clicking: If an SMS creates a sense of emergency, it is likely a scam.

If Your Account Is Compromised

  • Report immediately to your local Cyber Crime Cell.
  • Lodge a complaint at the official portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
  • Change your e-filing and linked email passwords immediately.
  • Alert your bank to monitor for unauthorized transactions.

Report Suspicious Activity

Email: webmanager@incometax.gov.in

Helplines: 1800 103 0025 | 080 46122000


The Golden Rule:
If a message creates panic and asks for urgent action with a link, pause and verify before clicking.