The Inland Revenue Department (IRD), on Monday, cautioned taxpayers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines against responding to a fraudulent email indicating that they are eligible for a refund.
The email further advised taxpayers to click a link to a website that does not belong to the IRD.
Ina notice to all taxpayers, Comptroller of Inland Revenue, Kelvin Pompey said that the fraudulent email purports to be under the hand of the “Financial Comptroller” of the IRD.
“The email, which is addressed to taxpayers, indicates that taxpayers are eligible for a tax refund and further provides a clickable link to a website that allows taxpayers to ‘view your refund’,” Pompey said.
“Please be advised that there is no such Office as the Financial Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department. There is no employee at the IRD by the name of Winston Pompey; the Comptroller of Inland Revenue is Mr. Kelvin Pompey. Further, the IRD is not associated with the URL www.svg- ird.org nor the email address [email protected],” the comptroller of inland revenue said.
He advised people who receive an email claiming that you are eligible for a tax refund, “please do not respond or click on any of the links in the message. Instead, delete the email immediately and do not provide any personal or financial information.
“We strongly recommend that you remain vigilant against such scams and protect yourself from potential fraud. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IRD directly through telephone numbers (784) 456-6099 or (784) 457-1123 or email at [email protected] or [email protected],” he said.
Why will aib bank refuse irish citizens opening a bank account