Understanding the Fraudulent Schemes
Cybercriminals are constantly finding more sophisticated ways to obtain your personal data. If you receive suspicious emails pretending to be from the tax authority, exercise caution.
Staying informed about notifications and alerts issued by the tax authority is crucial to stay updated on any changes and know how to respond to any requirements or procedures you may need to undertake.
What are these frauds about?
Roberto Colín, a member of the Public Accountants College of Mexico, explains that fraudsters are impersonating the tax authority and sending emails directing to fraudulent websites.
“Some taxpayers are receiving emails indicating they are delinquent in fulfilling their tax obligations or owe a fine, redirecting them to non-official links,” Colín described.
The tax authority warns that the email may include a link or indicate the need to download a file to view the requirement or fine. Clicking on it may result in downloading a virus or malware that compromises your device.
Additionally, the tax authority has detected a new modus operandi where fraudsters send emails asking taxpayers to activate or update their tax mailbox data.
“These emails also contain malicious links or downloads that can jeopardize privacy. Many cases have been reported recently regarding this issue for annual declarations for physical persons,” explained the Public Accountants College of Mexico member.
Avoid Falling for the Scams
It’s essential to clarify that the tax authority does send emails requesting compliance with obligations or notifying about any omissions; however, it will never ask for personal data via email or any non-official medium.
Although you might feel more fear than curiosity about a potential fine from the tax authority and click, “it’s crucial to review email senders claiming to be from the tax authority and ensure government department logos aren’t distorted or pixelated,” Colín recommends.
On the other hand, the tax authority advises discarding emails referring to the taxpayer by their email address and assures they will never request the execution of programs, software, or file downloads via email.
Moreover, many of these emails are crafted by foreign criminal gangs, so you can detect the use of unfamiliar words, expressions, or accent.
Another security measure is to verify the validity of the received email by calling the tax authority’s number for specific inquiries and advice on received communications; the phone number is 55 6272 2728.
If you have already executed any software, clicked on a link, or provided personal information, it’s advisable to change your passwords and check your electronic device for any potential infection or hack.
The Importance of the Tax Mailbox
“The tax mailbox is the primary communication method between the tax authority and the taxpayer. Through it, requirements, notifications, and certain procedures are conducted,” Colín commented.
To activate it, you need the RFC password or the taxpayer’s electronic signature, along with activation on the official tax authority website using an email and phone number.
“Some taxpayers don’t activate it, thinking they can evade compliance; however, this doesn’t work and may lead to future consequences,” Colín warned.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are these frauds about? Fraudsters impersonate the tax authority, sending emails with links or attachments to fraudulent websites or requesting updates to tax mailbox data.
- How can I avoid falling for these scams? Verify email senders, never provide personal data via non-official channels, and be cautious of unfamiliar words or accents in emails. Contact the tax authority via their official number for any doubts.
- Why is the tax mailbox important? It’s the primary communication channel between taxpayers and the tax authority for requirements, notifications, and certain procedures.
