Technological world has proofed to be both boon and curse. At one point where technology eases down the daily work of an individual, on the other hand, it is being used for doing wrong practices. For instance, in recent years, there have been many reports where either an individual bank account is being hacked or a person has been lured to give their financial credentials to a fraudsters. Not only this, even banks have fallen prey to this fraud, also there are many ways to hack a customer via mobile application. This does brings shiver to a spine, when one has to think whether their money is safe or not. However, how would you feel if you know that even your Income Tax Return (ITR) filing can fall under this scam. Shockingly, but Income Tax Department has released an awarement advertisement warning about phishing scam. 

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Even though every employee is liable to pay a certain part of his or her salary or income from other sources, to the Income Tax Department, there are certain methods through which the taxpayers can claim some amount from the tax paid. This method is called as Income Tax Return (ITR) under which a taxpayer can fill forms depending upon the category of income and avail a little fraction of the taxes. In short, ITR helps a taxpayer to save big on their taxes. 

In latest advertisement, the IT department said, "Beware of fake refund messages sent by fraudsters.!"

In the advertisement, the department warned saying, Income Tax Department never asks PIN, OTP, password or similar access information for credit/debit cards, banks or other financial account related information through e-mails, SMS or phone calls. 

The department said, "Taxpayers are cautioned not to response to such e-mails, SMS or phone calls and NOT to share personal or financial informations."

What is phishing? 

This is also one of the method of scammers to drain money from your account. There are many ways to steal your personal data and passwords for important services via online. One such practise under phishing is that, a scammer will send you an email which will look like its from your own bank or another site, where payment information is stored. 

Few examples of the mail could be, that they are having some technical issues in their computer, before asking you to re-submit your account details or credit card information etc. 

They can also lure you with mails of discounts or information either to swindle you directly or to defraud you under other person’s name whom you know. 

It is very important to note that, a customer must never provide their credit card details along with pin code or password who asks for information via email address. 

Coming back to taxpayers, the IT department has also explained ways to identify a phishing emails and what measures should be taken if one has received such suspicious mails. 

How to identify phishing emails?

Firstly check the domain name carefully. Fake emails will have misspelled or incorrect sounding variants of Income Tax Department websites. 

Secondly, the mail will also have incorrect email header. 

What to do if you are trapped in phishing?

One needs to note that, they should not open any attachements as it may contain malicious code. 

Further, do not click any links. Even if you have clicked on links advertently then do not enter personal or financial information such as bank account, credit/debit/ATM card, income tax details, etc.

Hence, taxpayers beware and alert of any messages you receive in the name of Income Tax Department, as it may lead you to in a fraud. If you have received an suspicious mail then refer the above mentioned pointers. Stay safe and file Income Tax Return (ITR) timely.!