Surge in cyber frauds linked to ITR filing, tax refunds

Indore: As the financial year draws to close and taxpayers start filing their Income Tax Returns, authorities have cautioned citizens against a surge in cyber frauds linked to ITR filing and tax refunds.Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya said that cyber criminals targeted people by sending fake messages, emails, and phone calls in the name of ITR filing, refund processing, or ITR correction."Fraudsters often circulate deceptive links claiming to help taxpayers update their KYC or rectify errors in tax filings. Once users click these links, they are asked to share sensitive information such as bank details, login credentials, or OTPs, which are then used to siphon off money from their accounts," Dandotiya said.Officials said many victims fell prey to such scams as fraudsters created messages that closely resembled official communication from Income Tax department. These messages typically promised quick refunds or warned of pending corrections in tax filings, prompting recipients to act without verification."In the recent past, many such incidents were reported at the crime branch (in Indore)," he said.Officials said all ITR-related activities, including filing returns, making corrections, or checking refund status, should only be carried out through the official Income Tax Department portal. They urged citizens to verify the authenticity of any communication before responding, especially during the tax filing season when such fraud attempts tend to increase.