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IRAS warns of scam email, image circulating on WhatsApp

Scam alert: Beware of callers posing as IRAS officers
FILE PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore

SINGAPORE — The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has released an advisory on its Facebook page and website on Tuesday (20 August), warning the public of a scam email whose image has also been circulating on WhatsApp.

The public are advised not to respond to the email, which is titled “Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore-Refund-Online-Confirmation”. They should also not circulate the WhatsApp image further.

Image of the scam IRAS email. (PHOTO: Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)
Image of the scam IRAS email. (PHOTO: Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)

In the scam email, the receiver is instructed to download and complete a tax refund form from a link provided, before submitting it to receive a tax refund of $236.51.

IRAS has reminded the public to be wary online, especially during this period when tax bills are being sent out in batches.

It has offered some tips to help the public recognise scams:

  • Official emails from IRAS are not sent from personal email accounts such as Hotmail, Gmail or other unfamiliar email domains,

  • IRAS will not ask for confidential personal details through calls, much less request a payment be made to a third party’s bank account,

  • Always verify with IRAS, so that it can identify fake news and not participate in spreading any rumours through messaging apps.

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