Tax Service warns of danger: virus files are being sent in its name
20 August 2024 05:22
Tax officials warn of fake emails being sent on behalf of the State Tax Service of Ukraine that contain viruses and can infect users’ computers. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the press service of the State Tax Service .
“If you click on the attached link, a file will be downloaded to your computer, opening which will lead to the launch of a malicious programme that will create technical capabilities for hidden unauthorised access to personal computers,” the tax service said.
The tax service has officially stated that such messages are sent from email accounts that have nothing to do with the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
The service asked taxpayers to pay special attention to the email address of the sender of the letter and check its authenticity.
Malicious emails on behalf of the State Tax Service: how to recognise the danger
The State Tax Service does not use email addresses registered in the pacaembu.sp.gov.br domain for official correspondence. The official registered domain of the State Tax Service is tax.gov.ua , which means that all official email addresses of the State Tax Service must contain the domain name tax.gov.ua in the second part of the name (after the @ symbol)
Any other addresses, in particular those ending in “pacaembu.sp.gov.br”, have no connection with the STS and are likely to be used by fraudsters.
Particular attention should be paid to the risk of virus infection through email attachments. Attackers often send files in .zip, .rar, .scr or .exe formats, trying to trick users into opening them. Such phishing emails may also contain links to remote access programs that are installed on computers without the user’s knowledge.
How to avoid computer infection
The State Tax Service recommends avoiding opening attachments in suspicious messages, even if they come from familiar recipients.
“When using email, it is important to maintain personal cyber hygiene. Always check the authenticity of the email before opening attachments,” the State Tax Service emphasises.
