The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a cautionary alert to the general public, urging them to be vigilant against harmful and fake emails circulating under the guise of official communications.
The FBR’s statement comes in response to numerous complaints from taxpayers and users who have reported receiving emails related to an alleged income tax defaulters list.
The FBR clarified that it has no association with these emails, which are being sent from a deceptive email address, alert@fbr.news. The deceptive emails contain false instructions, directing targeted taxpayers to check an attached Income Tax Defaulters List for their personal details. Additionally, some emails, masquerading as containing passwords for the attached defaulter list, have also been reported.
The FBR has unequivocally denied any connection with these communications and has emphasized that the mentioned email address, alert@fbr.news, is not an official FBR domain. The board has categorically warned that the attachments accompanying such fake emails are infected with harmful viruses and malware.
This deceptive activity, believed to be orchestrated by hackers, is a form of spamming aimed at distributing viruses and malware to taxpayers and other users. The FBR is actively addressing the issue and has called on the public to exercise caution and refrain from opening or interacting with suspicious emails.
The FBR’s advisory includes the recommendation to promptly report any such fake emails to the relevant authorities. To further assist taxpayers in identifying and handling such deceptive emails, the FBR has provided guidelines on its official website, www.fbr.gov.pk.
In light of the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and phishing attempts, the FBR emphasizes the importance of public awareness and vigilance. The board is committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of taxpayer information and is taking proactive measures to address these malicious attempts to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
As part of its efforts to safeguard taxpayers, the FBR encourages individuals to stay informed about cybersecurity best practices and to report any suspicious activities promptly. The board remains dedicated to maintaining the integrity of its communication channels and protecting taxpayers from potential fraud and cyber threats.
Taxpayers and users are strongly advised to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails, especially those requesting personal information or containing unexpected attachments. By staying informed and adopting cybersecurity measures, individuals can contribute to creating a safer online environment and prevent falling victim to fraudulent activities.
