The Tax and Customs Authority (AT) warned this Thursday, 19th, about the circulation of fraudulent messages that present themselves as official communications from the Tax Authorities, but whose sole objective is to deceive taxpayers. These emails and SMS warn about tax adjustments or promise refunds, trying to get recipients to click on links or provide personal and banking information.
According to , AT published a note on the Finance Portal detailing some recent examples. In the messages, fake senders use names and subjects that appear credible, such as “Financas Deducao” or “Deduções”, but the electronic addresses do not correspond to official tax domains.
In one case mentioned, the email comes with the subject “Document for regularization 3 IRPF 2024” and, in another, “Pending conclusion 3 Provisional IRPF Deductions”. According to the same source, there are also communications that promise payment of a supposedly pending tax refund, inducing the recipient to click on a link and enter bank details.
Messages that threaten and pressure
Fraud is not limited to email. Cell phone messages also circulate that simulate urgent AT communications. An example cites an SMS in the name of “AT.GOV.PT” that warns of the beginning of a seizure process and demands immediate payment, under threat of additional costs.
This type of approach exploits the fear of legal consequences and pressures recipients to act without verifying the authenticity of the message.
The Tax Authority reinforces that these communications are false and should be ignored. Under no circumstances will AT request personal or banking details via email or SMS, nor will it request payments through these channels. According to the same source, the purpose of these messages is to redirect sensitive data or induce undue payments.
How to protect yourself
According to the Finance Portal, taxpayers should avoid clicking on suspicious links, not downloading attached files and not responding to messages of dubious origin. They should also not provide access credentials to the Finance Portal outside of official channels.
AT also recommends deleting suspicious messages and consulting the information security information leaflet available on its website. The document brings together practices to identify fraud attempts and protect personal data.
In a context where phishing campaigns are becoming increasingly sophisticated, taxpayers’ attention is considered essential, especially in periods linked to tax obligations or refunds.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, being informed and suspicious of unexpected requests is the best way to avoid falling for scams that circulate daily in emails and cell phone messages.
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