Income Tax Return (ITR) filing: Beware of fraudsters! A Phishing scam near you? Know how to save your claims
There are some 7 forms depending upon your income and other sources, is needed to be filled as a part of ITR.

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. This medium is used by fraudsters to take away your refund amount in ITR filing. By filing for an ITR, a taxpayer can save big on their taxes. There are some 7 forms depending upon your income and other sources, is needed to be filled as a part of ITR. These forms are ITR1, ITR2, ITR3, ITR4, ITR5, ITR6 and ITR7. After a successful completion of filing an ITR, your receive a refund amount and it is this claim which is in danger.
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."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."
#LIVE | बाजार के आखिरी कारोबारी दिन कहां करें ट्रेड? जानिए #FinalTrade में @AnilSinghviZEE और बाजार के दिग्गजों के … https://t.co/AzldfddEHv
— Zee Business (@ZeeBusiness) January 25, 2019
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.
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.!
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.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES

SIP Calculation at 12% Annualised Return: Rs 10,000 monthly SIP for 20 years, Rs 15,000 for 15 or Rs 20,000 for 10, which do you think works best?

FD Rates for Rs 10 lakh investment: Compare SBI, PNB, HDFC, ICICI, and Post Office 5-year fixed deposit returns

LIC Saral Pension Plan: How much should you invest one time to get Rs 64,000 annual pension for life?

SIP Calculation at 12% Annualised Return: Rs 1,000 monthly SIP for 20 years, Rs 4,000 for 5 years or Rs 10,000 for 2 years, which do you think works best?

UPS vs NPS vs OPS: Last-drawn basic salary Rs 90,000 and pensionable service 27 years? What can be your monthly pension in each scheme?

Monthly Pension Calculations: Is your basic pension Rs 26,000, Rs 38,000, or Rs 47,000? Know what can be your total pension as per latest DR rates
02:31 PM IST