Taking advantage of the approach to tax returns, scammers send emails accusing their recipients of fraud or tax evasion. A classic phishing scam designed to extract money from them.
Fraudulent SMS campaign, identity theft, QR code scam, premium rate number scam… Tax services regularly warn Internet users and taxpayers against this real scourge. And there is plenty to do, especially right now! Indeed, from April 11 to June 6 at the latest, taxpayers are asked to complete their income tax return for the year 2023. A blessing for scammers, who take advantage of this to launch new phishing campaigns by pretending to be for the tax service. Also, the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFiP) alert about a fraudulent email campaign sent since summer 2023. Cybercriminals claim that you are guilty of tax fraud or tax evasion and that you must regularize your situation shortly, otherwise you will suffer heavy penalties. Just that !
2024 tax scam: fraudulent email and identity theft
The fraudulent email uses the graphic charter of administrative letters, supporting logo and signature, and seems to come from a certain Bernard Poirier, the head of administrative and financial services at the Ministry of the Economy. This informs you that there are several charges of tax fraud against you. “In an inconsistent manner, reference is made pell-mell [dans le mail] to the General Tax Code, to penalties incurred by evaders, to various taxes, duties and contributions on income, land or assets or even to a supposed federal organization, and even in certain cases, to German laws…”, explains Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. Gibberish intended to intimidate you and get you lost in the maze of administration.
To scare you, cybercriminals ask you to regularize your situation within 48 to 72 hours by paying several thousand euros, otherwise you will be exposed to criminal sanctions and the seizure of your property. A classic social engineering method, aimed at preventing you from taking a step back and making you act hastily. You are then invited to contact the tax administration, by responding to the message or by writing to an email address. Sometimes, bank details (RIB) are directly communicated so that you can pay the amount claimed directly by transfer.
Please note that, in the event of a tax audit, the DGFiP always sends a paper letter with acknowledgment of receipt and will never contact you by email. You should therefore definitely not respond to this type of email! And if you are trapped, contact your bank as quickly as possible and follow the recommendations given by the official prevention site cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. Change your password and contact the tax service at this address. Keep all evidence carefully and file a complaint at the police station. Finally, don’t forget to report the fraudulent message to the following services Signal Spam, Pharosor directly to 33700 if you have been the victim of a phishing attempt by email or SMS.