The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit has issued a public warning regarding a fraudulent notice being circulated online in the name of the Income Tax Department. The fake communication allegedly asks recipients to pay ₹6,000 as tax payable, misleading taxpayers into sharing personal and financial information.
According to PIB Fact Check, the notice is completely fake and is part of a phishing attempt designed to deceive individuals by impersonating official government authorities.
Fake Income Tax Notice Circulating Online
The fraudulent notice claims to have been issued by the Income Tax Department and directs recipients to make a payment of ₹6,000 towards their tax liability. However, PIB Fact Check has clarified that the Income Tax Department does not issue such notices in the manner being circulated online.
Taxpayers have been advised not to respond to the notice, click on any links contained in such communications, or share sensitive information such as PAN details, bank account information, passwords, OTPs, or payment credentials.
PIB Fact Check Calls It a Phishing Attempt
In its advisory, PIB Fact Check categorically stated that the viral notice is a phishing scam aimed at defrauding citizens.
Phishing scams typically involve fraudsters posing as trusted institutions to trick individuals into making payments or revealing confidential information. Cybercriminals often exploit taxpayers during the return filing and tax compliance season by sending fake emails, SMS messages, and notices resembling official government communications.
The fact-checking agency urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify any tax-related communication through official government channels before taking any action.
Income Tax Department Does Not Issue Such Notices
PIB Fact Check emphasized that the Income Tax Department does not issue notices of this nature requesting payment through unofficial channels.
Taxpayers are advised to:
- Verify all tax notices through the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Check communication received through registered email IDs and official accounts.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials, or PAN details with unverified sources.
- Cross-check any demand notice directly with the Income Tax Department's official records.
🚨 SCAM ALERT!
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) August 12, 2026
⚠️ A notice claiming to be issued by the Income Tax department is circulating online, asking the recipient to make a payment of ₹6,000/- as part of the tax payable amount. #PIBFactCheck:
❌ This notice is #Fake and a phishing attempt.
✅ The… pic.twitter.com/AqndbiX49U
How to Report Phishing and Fake Tax Notices
The government has encouraged citizens to report suspicious tax-related messages and fraudulent communications.
Individuals can report phishing attempts and fake notices through the official channels designated by the Income Tax Department. Additionally, misleading content relating to Central Government departments can be reported to PIB Fact Check for verification.
Citizens can contact PIB Fact Check through:
- WhatsApp: +91 8799711259
- Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
Stay Alert During Tax Season
Experts frequently caution taxpayers against cyber frauds that impersonate government departments, especially during return filing periods. Fraudsters often use urgent language, fake demand notices, refund claims, or penalty threats to pressure recipients into making payments.
Taxpayers should remember that genuine communications from the Income Tax Department can be verified through official portals and registered channels. Any message demanding immediate payment without proper verification should be treated with caution.
Conclusion
The PIB Fact Check unit has confirmed that the viral Income Tax notice demanding ₹6,000 is fake and forms part of a phishing scam. Taxpayers are advised to stay vigilant, verify all tax-related communications through official government platforms, and avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown sources.
As online fraud attempts continue to rise, relying only on verified government channels remains the best defense against financial and identity theft.
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