Got an Income Tax notice on WhatsApp? Don’t ignore it:This is a fraud message from scammers; here’s how to identify fake messages in 7 ways

Have you also received a message on your WhatsApp in the name of the Income Tax Department? If yes, then be careful. This is cyber fraud. These days, cyber fraudsters are duping people by sending fake messages in the name of the Income Tax Department. The message received on WhatsApp claims that your tax refund is stuck, there is an error in your ITR. Fraudsters send phishing links, PDF or APK files along with it. As soon as the user clicks on it, they fall into the trap of fraudsters. Recently, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued an alert regarding such fake messages. I4C works under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Therefore, in today’s Cyber Literacy column, we will talk in detail about fake Income Tax notices. Also, we will know that- Expert – Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police Question – The Government of India has warned against fake income tax notices. What is this scam? Answer – This is a phishing scam. In this, fraudsters send fake notices on WhatsApp in the name of the Income Tax Department. They ask people to click on a link or file by instilling fear of tax refunds, ITR discrepancies, or penalties. This is how they carry out the fraud. Recently, ‘PIB Fact Check’ also issued a warning about one such fake notice. It claimed that the user had ₹6,000 in outstanding tax. The government declared it fake. Question – How do fraudsters trap people in this scam? Answer- Thugs scare people by sending fake notices in the name of the Income Tax Department. See the full scam in the graphic- Question- What are .zip and .exe files? Why are they risky? Answer- Understand this with pointers- Question – What are the disadvantages of malware being installed on a phone? Answer – This allows cyber fraudsters to misuse the device and the data contained within it. See all risks in the graphic- Question- Who do scammers target? Answer- While anyone can fall victim to them, scammers usually target people who have less knowledge of government processes, online services, or cybersecurity, such as- Question – Why do people fall for notices received on WhatsApp? Answer – Understand it with these pointers: Question- What are the facts related to Income Tax notices? Answer- Understand this with two points- Fact 1 Fact 2 Question – How does the Income Tax Department send tax notices? Answer- The Income Tax Department issues its official notices on the e-filing portal (eportal.incometax.gov.in). Additionally, notice information is also sent via registered email and SMS. If you suspect any notice, log in to the official e-filing portal and confirm it. Question- How to identify a fake Income Tax notice? Answer- You can identify a fake Income Tax notice by some easy signs. See all the signs in the graphic- Question- What to do if you receive a tax notice on WhatsApp? Answer- In such a situation, take these steps immediately- Question- If a link is accidentally opened, or a file is downloaded, what steps should be taken immediately? Answer- In such a situation, don’t panic. To avoid damage, immediately take some necessary steps, such as- Question – Which information should never be shared with anyone? Answer – You should never share some of your financial and personal details with anyone. See the full list below