Income tax refund delay scam: As fraudsters target taxpayers with fake tax delay messages, I-T Department issues alert
Feb 20, 2026
Synopsis
The Income Tax Department has revealed that these fraudulent messages often contain minor spelling errors and fake links designed to appear genuine. The I-T Department has asked citizens to verify all tax-related information only through its official website.
Due to the tax refund delay and the associated hype, fraudsters are taking advantage of taxpayers’ urgency of getting a refund by impersonating the Income Tax Department officials through phoney emails, phone calls and SMS.
In a social media message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Income Tax (I-T) authority has alerted taxpayers, telling them not to share OTP or bank details. The Income Tax Department has revealed that these fraudulent messages often contain minor spelling errors and fake links designed to appear genuine. Once clicked, they can lead to identity theft, banking fraud and the misuse of sensitive taxpayer information, as per the I-T Department message.
The I-T Department has asked citizens to verify all tax-related information only through its official website, www.incometax.gov.in, and avoid clicking on links received via email, SMS or social media claiming refund updates.
The Income Tax Department’s message on X reads: “Fake messages may claim a refund or urgent action and push you to click a link. Don’t fall for it — never share OTPs or bank details. The department has asked taxpayers to verify communications on the official portal (http://incometax.gov.in). Report suspicious messages to
How the tax refund scam works
Explaining how these scammers target taxpayers waiting for a refund, the I-T Department says such scammers send them messages claiming that their income tax return is delayed, incomplete or stuck. The text will use alarming words like ‘urgent action required’, ‘refund pending’, or the ‘penalty if not verified’" link will be included in the message.
Once the user clicks on the link, it takes them to a fake website that imitates the original Income Tax website gateway. Victims are requested to submit personal information, bank account data, PAN numbers and OTPs, says the Income Tax Department in its tweet.
Income Tax Department’s advisory on fake messages
• Never share OTPs, passwords or bank details.
• Always verify communications only via www.incometax.gov.in.
Here are the examples of fake messages-
“Dear taxpayer, your refund is pending. Click now to avoid penalty
http://incometax-refund-claim.xyz”
(Visual labels in the illustration: “Refund Pending”, “Click Now”, “Urgent Action Required”, “Important Alert… submit a request for payment of your unclaimed and overdue tax refund.”)
How to report fake and suspicious messages?
If you receive such suspicious messages
Report at:
Mark a copy to:
For assistance, contact helpline:
1800 103 0025 / 080-46122000
E-filing account misuse (As per the Income Tax Department website)
If you think your e-filing account might have been compromised or accessed in an unauthorised manner, you may be a victim of a cyber crime.
Please report the incident to the concerned police or cyber cell authorities as a first step. You may file an online criminal complaint/FIR by visiting https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
When filing a cybercrime complaint, please ensure the following relevant information is captured and reflected in the FIR/criminal complaint in relation to the account misuse:
• Complete details of the complainant, such as PAN, Aadhaar Number, etc., and the brief of the alleged incident.
• The date and approximate time of the suspected account misuse.
• The date and approximate time when the account misuse came to your attention and how it came to your attention;
• Any information, facts or details relevant to the suspected account misuse.
[The Economic Times]
