A recent case saw a taxpayer lose Rs 1.5 lakh after responding to a fake “refund delay” message, prompting a fresh warning from the Income Tax Department.
Fraudsters are taking advantage of taxpayers’ anxiety over delayed refunds.
Over the past year, many people have voiced concerns on social media about slow refund processing, creating the perfect opportunity for scams.
How the Scam Works
Tax advisory platform TaxBuddy explains that these scams usually start with a message claiming your refund is pending and needs urgent verification.
The message often includes a link that looks official.
Clicking the link can lead to:
A fake website resembling the Income Tax portal
Requests for PAN, login ID, and password
OTP verification prompts
In some cases, bank details are also requested
Once you provide these details, fraudsters gain access to your account.
In the recent case, this led to a loss of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Why Taxpayers Fall for It
Messages about refunds create urgency and panic. Scammers exploit this by using:
Fear-based language
Threats of refund cancellation
Final reminder tones
Immediate action prompts
The result: panic leads to quick clicks, and quick clicks lead to compromised accounts.
What the Income Tax Department Says
The Income Tax Department has clarified:
It does not send refund verification links via SMS
It does not ask for OTPs over calls or messages
It does not request passwords or bank details through emails
Refund status can only be checked by logging directly into the official Income Tax e-Filing portal. Avoid clicking links from unknown sources.
How to Stay Safe
If you are expecting a refund:
Check your refund status only through the official portal
Ignore messages asking for urgent verification
Never share OTPs, passwords, or login details
Report suspicious messages to the Income Tax Department or CERT-In
Key Takeaway
Refund delays are normal due to verification processes, but urgent messages demanding confidential details are scams. Stay calm, stay cautious, and always verify directly on official platforms.
