Frauds are always on the lookout for easy victims. With some knowledge and experience, they successfully identify their victims and extort money from them. Being alert can save you from the clutches of such fraudsters. Here are a few tips to avoid falling prey to them:
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Authenticity of the notice
Verify if the notice delivered to you is authentic or not. The Income Tax Department usually issues notices through secured channels like India Post or secure Internet platforms. You may receive a text message or a call from an individual claiming to be from the tax department. Avoid such communications and report them to the police if you are being repeatedly harassed.
It is common practice to share our details like names, addresses, and contact numbers with unknown persons. Please stop doing that immediately. Fraudsters have policies to get friendly first and attack later.
Use Strong Passwords
It is a good practice to use unique, solid passwords which contain letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not use passwords like your children’s name, date of birth, etc., which are easily crackable. Try and enable 2FA Two Factor Authentication wherever possible. You should also change your passwords periodically.
Phishing Emails: Identify phishing emails. The tax department will never ask for your personal information through emails or text, as they already have all the information. Avoid accessing unwanted links or downloading attachments too.
Educate yourself and others
Keeping yourself updated with the latest phishing techniques and ideas can be beneficial over the long run. Keep communicating new phishing ideas with your family and friends and how they should avoid being caught in such traps.
Fraudsters are smart, and you should be able to outsmart them at all costs and not fall prey to them by keeping yourself updated, which ultimately breaks their morale to look for other victims.
