Urgent alert from Hacienda to millions of citizens: you're risking losing everything

The Tax Agency has issued an urgent alert directed at millions of citizens. All due to a dangerous scam that impersonates its identity through SMS messages.

This type of fraud, known as "smishing," aims to deceive people to obtain their personal and financial information. It's essential to stay alert and know how to act to avoid falling into these traps.

Tax Agency doesn't warn anymore: be very careful with smishing

Smishing is a type of phishing carried out through text messages. Scammers send SMS that appear to be from trusted entities, like Tax Agency, informing about supposed errors in tax returns or serious incidents.

These messages usually include links that lead to fake websites designed to collect sensitive data. Or to install malware on the device.

Why are these scams so harmful?

Cybercriminals take advantage of people's trust and ignorance. By impersonating official bodies like the Tax Agency, they create a sense of urgency and concern, prompting the victim to act without thinking.

Moreover, these messages can seem legitimate. The truth is they use logos and language similar to the official ones and aren't so easy to detect.

Vital tips to avoid being scammed

If you receive an SMS from Tax Agency or another entity requesting personal or financial information, don't respond or click on links. The Tax Agency never requests confidential data via SMS.

• Verify the source: Access the official Tax Agency website directly. Do this by typing the address into your browser, instead of following links provided in messages.

• Don't share sensitive information: Never provide personal data, account numbers, or passwords through text messages.
• Keep your device secure: Install security software on your phone and keep the operating system updated to protect against potential threats.
• Enable two-step authentication: This measure adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and makes unauthorized access more difficult.
• Stay informed and report: If you receive a suspicious message, report it to the Tax Agency through their security issue reporting form.

It's crucial to stay alert and follow these warnings to protect yourself from smishing attempts that aim to impersonate the Tax Agency. Remember, when in doubt, it's better to proceed with caution and verify the authenticity of messages before taking any action.