In short
A communication invokes the Income Tax Department to support a money, refund, penalty or verification story The objective is typically to use tax-authority credibility to obtain money or sensitive information.
What it is
The sender presents a fictitious offer or demand as coming from Income Tax authorities. The victim is then pushed to pay money, disclose financial details or follow the fraudster's instructions.
How it starts
A communication invokes the Income Tax Department to support a money, refund, penalty or verification story.
What they tell you
The sender presents a fictitious offer or demand as coming from Income Tax authorities
What they want you to do
Pay money, disclose financial details or follow the fraudster's instructions
How you lose money
use tax-authority credibility to obtain money or sensitive information
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
authority | fear | greed | urgency | impersonation | phishing
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Verify the claim using the agency's official website or published helpline; do not transfer money or share OTP/PIN because of an unsolicited threat.
If it already happened
Contact the bank/payment provider immediately if money moved; report financial cyber fraud promptly via 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in; preserve messages, transaction IDs, phone numbers and URLs.