Fake I-T Notices on WhatsApp: Commissionerate Police Issues Cyber Alert

Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police has issued a cyber advisory cautioning taxpayers against fraudulent Income Tax notices being circulated via WhatsApp.

The warning comes during the belated ITR filing period, when scammers are exploiting urgency to trick citizens.

According to the advisory, fraudsters impersonate the Income Tax Department and send deceptive messages containing malicious links or file attachments (.zip/.exe)

Once downloaded, these files install malware capable of stealing banking credentials, passwords, and confidential information.

The police highlighted that messages promising tax refunds or threatening penalties are red flags.

Citizens are urged to verify any notices only through official government portals and avoid clicking suspicious links.

The advisory further stressed the importance of digital vigilance: taxpayers should never share OTPs, banking details, or personal information via messaging apps.

Instead, suspicious messages should be reported immediately.

Commissionerate Police emphasised: “Awareness is the best defence against cyber fraud. Stay Alert. Stay Safe.”