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.

• 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.