Fake ‘Tax Refund’ Emails Used to Steal Personal Data

Picture courtesy of MGR

Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Centre has issued a warning over a growing wave of fraudulent emails falsely claiming to offer tax refunds, urging the public to remain vigilant after reports that victims risk having personal and financial information stolen. The scam involves criminals impersonating official bodies to trick recipients into clicking malicious links under the pretence of receiving money owed to them. Authorities say those who fall for the messages may lose sensitive data almost immediately.

According to the Anti-Fake News Centre Thailand, the emails typically claim to originate from “eForm Thai” or the Revenue Department and are sent directly to members of the public. The messages state that a tax refund is pending and instruct recipients to click a link to confirm details or complete the refund process within a limited timeframe. Officials warn that the sense of urgency is deliberately designed to pressure people into acting without proper checks.

The warning follows an increase in reports of such emails circulating widely, prompting intervention from the centre and cybercrime authorities. The fraudulent messages often closely resemble legitimate government communications, making them difficult to distinguish at first glance. This includes the use of official-sounding language and branding intended to gain the trust of recipients.

Authorities have outlined common characteristics of the fake emails, noting that they frequently use names or logos similar to government agencies. They usually claim that a tax refund is available and impose a strict deadline for action. The emails also contain links asking recipients to “verify information” or “receive a refund” and use urgent or alarming language to force quick decisions.

The Anti-Fake News Centre stressed that the Revenue Department never sends links via email or SMS asking individuals to provide personal details. Government agencies will not request passwords, one-time passwords (OTP), or bank account information through email. Legitimate tax refund procedures must always be checked and completed through official websites or authorised channels only.

Cybercrime officials from the Technology Crime Suppression Division have advised the public not to click on suspicious links under any circumstances. They recommend deleting such emails immediately and using the “Report Spam” function if available. Anyone unsure about a message is advised to contact the Revenue Department directly through official communication channels.

Manager online reported that authorities say public awareness remains the most effective defence, emphasising that knowing how to identify scams before clicking is crucial. Investigations and monitoring of online fraud continue as officials work to reduce the spread of similar schemes and limit potential harm.

Key Takeaways

• Fraudsters are sending fake tax refund emails impersonating the Revenue Department.

• Government agencies do not request personal or financial details via email links.

• Citizens are advised to delete suspicious emails and report them as spam.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-22