Citizens are offered to follow the link in the email and enter personal data. The Center for Countering Disinformation warns that fraudsters can gain access to a bank account and the ability to withdraw funds.
In Ukraine, fraudsters have become more active, sending citizens fake emails on behalf of the "Diya" portal. The attackers promise the receipt of an "annual tax refund" but in reality steal bank card data and seize victims’ money. This was warned by the State Tax Service.
How does the fraud scheme work?
In the emails, the scammers offer to follow a link that leads to a fake page posing as ID.GOV.UA portal. There, they place information about the imaginary "tax refund" and offer to undergo identification.
Victims need to enter:
mobile phone number; full name; bank card details (number, expiry date, CVV code).The Center for Countering Disinformation advises not to follow such links and not to enter your personal data.
The fraudsters can use the obtained information to:
attach the victim’s account to a new device; authorize in the bank account and withdraw funds.Tax refunds in Ukraine: how it works
Every year until December 31st, Ukrainians can use the right to a tax deduction for the previous year. This means that part of the money spent on certain categories of services can be returned by the state in the form of compensation for part of the personal income tax (PIT) paid.
To receive a tax deduction, it is necessary to submit a declaration of income for the past year. This can be done online through the online taxpayer account using an electronic signature or BankID. In the declaration, it is necessary to fill out annex F3, which contains the calculation of the return amount.
For example, if a citizen spent 20,000 UAH on university education in 2023, they can return 18% of this amount in 2024, which is 3,600 UAH. This also applies to payments for children’s education, including private kindergartens and schools.
According to the Tax Code of Ukraine (paragraph 3 of article 166), a tax deduction can be obtained for such expenses:
mortgage loan payments; charitable contributions (up to 4% of annual income); education expenses (preschool, school, vocational, and higher education); medical services (certain list); insurance premiums under life insurance contracts; services of assisted reproductive technologies and adoption of children; installation of gas equipment on cars; rental housing for internally displaced persons; investments in shares of "Diya.City" residents.