A major scam alert has been issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), warning citizens about a fraudulent email circulating online in the name of the Income Tax Department.
According to the official #PIBFactCheck, the email falsely claims that taxpayers have "compliance gaps" in their income tax return filings and urges immediate action. Authorities have clarified that this email is completely fake and part of a phishing attempt designed to steal sensitive financial information.

What the Government Says
The Income Tax Department has not issued any such email and taxpayers are advised to rely only on verified communication channels. Citizens can cross-check official updates through the department's verified platforms.
π¨ SCAM ALERT! πΈπ₯
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 24, 2026
An email claiming to be from the Income Tax Department is circulating online, stating compliance gaps in return filings.#PIBFactCheck:
β This email is FAKE and a phishing attempt to trick citizens into losing money.
β The Income Tax Department has NOT… pic.twitter.com/JADIc1rrnF
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters send emails that appear legitimate, often using official-looking logos and language. These emails may:
- Ask users to click on suspicious links
- Request personal or banking details
- Create urgency around "non-compliance"
Clicking such links can lead to financial loss or identity theft.
Safety Tips for Taxpayers
- Always verify emails through official government sources
- Never share sensitive information via email or unknown links
- Avoid clicking on suspicious attachments or URLs
- Check sender email IDs carefully
Report Fake Messages Immediately
If you receive such fraudulent communication, report it to the authorities:
- WhatsApp: +91 8799711259
- Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
