Banking information: FBR alerts taxpayers against fake SMS messages

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has alerted taxpayers that the FBR does not send SMS to the taxpayers requesting for calling on specific number and asking for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

The FBR here on Tuesday issued an alert to all taxpayers to avert attempts of fraud.

The FBR informed the taxpayers that there are numerous attempts by individuals and groups to solicit personal information from unsuspecting users by employing social engineering techniques.

Various SMS are crafted to appear as if they have been sent from a legitimate organization or known individual.

These SMS often attempt to entice users to call at specific mobile number and is asked to provide personal information, such as account usernames and passwords, which can further expose them to future compromises.

The FBR never sends SMS on the taxpayer mobile numbers to obtain taxpayer's banking information in lieu of facilitating a refund to the taxpayer or any other activity associated with an individual's bank account are extremely dangerous with an intention to defraud the individual.

The FBR strictly advises the taxpayer against calling on the mobile number specified in the SMS and disclosing any information especially related to their bank accounts, the FBR added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020