evidence: A widely circulated fake message has caught the attention of official fact-checkers, such as PIB FactCheck, and even the Income Tax Department itself. The message claims that you have been approved for an income tax refund, often citing a specific amount like Rs 15,490, and asks you to verify or update your bank account information in order to receive the refund. It provides a link that recipients are urged to click on, usually a URL like "https://bit.ly/20wpYK6". It is crucial to be aware that this message is a scam. The Income Tax Department will never request you to provide or confirm your bank account details through messages. Legitimate income tax refunds are directly deposited into the bank accounts that taxpayers have already provided and verified when filing their returns. The Income Tax Department also communicates refund-related information through registered email IDs and mobile numbers. Refunds are processed and sent only after the Income Tax Department has thoroughly reviewed and approved your Income Tax Return (ITR). If there is any need for further information or clarification, the department will notify you via the email address you've registered.