Chittoor Police Alert: Fake 'Pay Tax' WhatsApp Messages Target Taxpayers

The Chittoor district police have issued a public advisory warning against cyber fraudsters who are circulating fake WhatsApp messages in the name of the Income Tax Department and other government agencies. The caution comes after a rise in such fraudulent activities aimed at deceiving taxpayers.

In a statement released on Friday, Superintendent of Police Tushar Dudi said fraudsters are sending messages with subject lines such as “Pay Tax”, “Income Tax Pending”, “Tax Refund”, “E-Verification” and “Penalty Notice”. These messages are crafted to create panic and urgency, prompting recipients to click on malicious links or install APK files without properly verifying the source.

Mr. Dudi explained that such files can grant cyber criminals access to sensitive information stored on the phone, including SMS messages, contacts, banking details, one-time passwords (OTPs) and UPI credentials. In more severe cases, fraudsters can misuse accessibility, screen-sharing or remote-access permissions to take full control of the device. This can lead to unauthorised transactions, identity theft, or further misuse of personal data.

The police have advised the public to exercise caution and follow specific safety measures. Recipients of such messages should not click on unknown links or install APK files sent through WhatsApp, SMS, or other messaging platforms. All tax-related transactions should be conducted exclusively through official government portals or authorised applications. Taxpayers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any communication by directly contacting the relevant department through official channels.

Additionally, citizens are urged to keep their mobile software and applications updated, avoid sharing passwords or banking details over unverified platforms, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. If a person suspects that they have been targeted or has already become a victim of cyber fraud, they should immediately report the incident. The national cybercrime helpline, 1930, is available round the clock, and complaints can also be lodged through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Authorities have reiterated that government agencies never request sensitive information or demand payments through personal messaging apps. Any such request should be treated as fraudulent. The public is advised to stay vigilant, spread awareness among family and friends, and report suspicious messages to official authorities promptly.

This advisory is part of ongoing efforts by the police to combat rising cybercrime in the region. By informing citizens about these fraudulent tactics, the police aim to reduce the risk of financial loss and protect personal data from misuse.