‘Beware of fake Inland Revenue emails asking for banking details’

KUCHING: The Inland Revenue Board ( IRB) has detected syndicates deceiving the public through the spread of fake emails using the names of its Chief Executive Officer and members of IRBM Board.

The email attempts to convince people that they have an overdue tax amount to be repaid by IRB.

The fake e-mail also features official banking logos and gives instructions to disclose their bank account details to enable refunds of excess taxes made by IRB.

“Please note that IRBM never send such emails to ask taxpayers to disclose their bank account numbers,” said IRB through its press statement yesterday.

“This is because the bank account information will be obtained through the declaration by the taxpayer when they complete the Income Tax Return Form each year.”

In addition, any refund of income taxes that have been processed based on the correct information will also be credited directly by IRB to the taxpayer’s bank account via Electronic Fund Transfer ( EFT) or through the Tax Refund Voucher, crossed cheques or Telegraphic Transfer (for those with overseas accounts), added the statement.

Before acting on the instructions received by e-mail, the public is advised to check the authenticity of the e-mail.

A simple check can be made through the email domain used by the email senders.

“Each official e-mail from IRB will use the domain email@ hasil. gov.my.

“In addition, the public can also confirm with the IRBM if they receive any dubious email related to IRBM.

“Validation can be made through the Careline Revenue Line at 1- 800- 88- 5436, or through IRBM branch line numbers located on the official portal of www.hasil. gov.my.”

The statement also said that IRB hopes that people who have been deceived by these fraudulent syndicates should report to the authorities for investigation and appropriate action.