New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has issued a strong public advisory warning taxpayers across the country, particularly senior citizens, against a growing wave of fraudulent emails, SMS messages and fake websites that impersonate the tax authority to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
In an official awareness message released on Saturday, the Department said cybercriminals are misusing the name and identity of the Income Tax Department to deceive taxpayers into sharing confidential details. These scams are increasingly sophisticated, relying on fake sender IDs, misleading hyperlinks and websites that closely resemble official government portals.
According to the Department, such fraudulent communications often seek critical information such as PAN details, login passwords, bank credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs), exposing individuals to financial loss and identity theft.
Use only the official Income Tax portal
The Department has categorically advised taxpayers to access all tax-related services exclusively through the official government portal — www.incometax.gov.in. Any website or link mimicking the official domain, including those using words such as “efiling” or altered spellings, should be treated as highly suspicious, it said.
Officials noted that several recent cases involved messages promising tax refunds, warning of penalties, or requesting KYC updates. Clicking on such links often redirects users to fake portals designed to harvest personal data.
‘Think Twice, Act Wise’ — a clear warning
Reiterating its standard operating protocol, the Income Tax Department stressed that it never asks for OTPs, passwords, or confidential personal information via email, SMS or phone calls. As part of its awareness campaign, the Department has reiterated the message: “Think Twice, Act Wise.”
Taxpayers have been advised to exercise caution before responding to any communication claiming to be from tax authorities. Key precautions include:
- Verifying the sender’s email address carefully
- Checking the website domain spelling before clicking any link
- Avoiding unknown or suspicious links entirely
Mechanism to report phishing attempts
To strengthen public participation in combating cyber fraud, the Department has put in place a clear mechanism for reporting suspicious activity. Taxpayers are encouraged to forward suspected phishing emails to webmanager@incometax.gov.in, with a copy marked to incident@cert-in.org.in, the Government of India’s national cyber incident response agency.
For direct assistance, the Department has also made available official helpline numbers 1800 103 0025 and 080 46122000, where taxpayers can seek guidance and verify communications.
Senior citizens most vulnerable
Officials acknowledged that senior citizens are among the most frequently targeted groups, as they may be less familiar with evolving digital fraud techniques. Fraudsters often exploit trust and urgency to pressure victims into sharing information.
The Department has therefore appealed to family members and caregivers to proactively educate elderly relatives about such scams and assist them in verifying any tax-related communication they receive.
Part of a broader cyber safety drive
The advisory forms part of the government’s broader initiative to promote digital awareness, cyber hygiene and financial safety in an increasingly online tax ecosystem. The Income Tax Department said awareness and vigilance remain the most effective safeguards against online fraud.
Taxpayers have been urged to share the advisory widely to ensure that friends, family members and vulnerable individuals remain protected from cybercrime.
“Think before you click — stay tax smart, stay safe,” the Department said, underlining that caution and verification are essential in preventing financial fraud.
