Recently, the Income Tax Department has issued a cyber alert for taxpayers on its X (X) handle. It states that cybercriminals are trying to defraud people by using the name and identity of the Income Tax Department through fake emails, SMS, and fraudulent websites. Senior citizens, in particular, are being targeted by such scams. Often, messages sent in the name of tax refunds, penalties, or KYC updates provoke people to hastily open links or attachments. As soon as a user clicks on such a fake link, their personal and bank-related information reaches the scammers, allowing them to extort a large sum of money. So, today, in the Cyber Literacy column, we will discuss this scam in detail. We will also learn how do scammers trap people in the name of Income Tax what precautions should taxpayers take to avoid this? Question- What warning has the Income Tax Department issued for taxpayers? Answer- The Income Tax Department has warned taxpayers on its X handle that emails, SMS, or links demanding tax refunds or any kind of immediate action could be fake. The department has stated that one should neither click on such messages nor share them further, as this could be a sign of cyber fraud. The Department has also clarified that any work related to Income Tax should only be done through the official website www.incometax.gov.in. Be wary of any email or website that looks government-related but has a suspicious domain. Additionally, the department has stated that it never asks for OTP, password, or confidential banking information via email, SMS, or phone calls. Taxpayers have been urged to “Think Twice, Act Wise”, meaning to thoroughly check before clicking on any link and to immediately report suspicious activity to avoid cyber fraud. Question – How do cyber criminals commit fraud in the name of Income Tax? Question – Why do senior citizens easily fall victim to tax fraud? Answer – Senior citizens are not fully familiar with digital technology and new methods of online scams. In such cases, cybercriminals use official language, fear, and urgency to confuse them. Many elderly people get scared upon hearing words like tax refund, penalty, or legal notice and click on links or share information without verification. Additionally, the scammers’ trustworthy conversations also make them victims of fraud. Question – How to identify fake tax messages or emails? Answer- Fake tax messages or emails can be identified by some easy signs. Such messages often use language that creates fear or greed and pressure for immediate action. Whereas any official message related to Income Tax provides clear information without creating pressure. Additionally, there could be some other signs. Such as- Question- How to avoid scams in the name of Income Tax? Understand this from the graphic given below- Question- What information does the Income Tax Department never ask taxpayers for? Understand this from the graphic given below- Question- What should be done immediately if a fake link is accidentally clicked? Answer- In such a situation, instead of panicking, it is important to take some immediate steps. Such as- Question- Where and how to complain about tax-related phishing emails or SMS? Answer- If you receive any suspicious email or message, immediately report it to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and incident@cert-in.org.in. When sending the email, be sure to include the original message, sender’s ID, and suspicious link. If an attempt to defraud was made via SMS, keep a screenshot of it. For any doubts or confirmation, contact the official Income Tax helpline numbers 1800 103 0025 and 08046122000. Question- How to make the elderly aware of cyber fraud? Answer- Explain common cyber scams to senior citizens in simple language. Inform them that no government department asks for confidential information via phone, SMS, or email. Ask them to immediately inform their family if they receive a suspicious message or call. Keep essential security settings and emergency numbers saved on their phones. Periodically show them examples of fake and real messages to explain the difference. Advise them not to do any tax or bank-related work alone. With continuous communication, patience, and cooperation, seniors can be largely protected from cyber fraud. Question- What basic things do taxpayers need to know for online tax safety? Answer- For online tax safety, keep a few things in mind. Such as-
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