ANAF warns: fraudsters are posing as tax officials to steal personal data

The National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) is issuing an important alert regarding a new fraud scheme targeting seniors and pensioners in particular. Scammers contact victims by telephone, posing as ANAF employees and claiming that the victims are entitled to tax refunds.

The fraud operates in a sophisticated manner: during the first call, victims are told that their tax records show an overpayment of income tax and that a bank representative will contact them to process the refund. Subsequently, a second person calls, claiming to be a bank official, and attempts to obtain confidential account and bank card details.

This fraud scheme is especially dangerous for older people, who may be more vulnerable to such manipulation tactics. The scammers exploit the trust inspired by state institutions and victims' hope of receiving money back from the government.

How to protect yourself from these frauds

ANAF strongly advises that you never disclose personal data or bank account information over the phone. The institution does not contact taxpayers by telephone to request such sensitive information.

For secure communication with the tax authority, taxpayers may use the Virtual Private Space (Spațiul Privat Virtual), a free and secure service provided by ANAF. For general tax enquiries, the ANAF Call Centre can also be reached on 0314039160.

If you receive a suspicious call of this kind, the safest course of action is to hang up and contact ANAF directly through official channels to verify the authenticity of the request.