The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) in Ecuador has issued a warning regarding the emergence of fraudulent schemes aiming to deceive taxpayers by improperly using the entity's name and image. In a statement released on February 11, the SRI highlighted the existence of unscrupulous practices that could lead to the unauthorized collection of sensitive personal and financial information from unsuspecting citizens.

Among the fraudulent practices identified, the SRI noted several concerning methods employed by scammers. These include the distribution of fake emails that appear to be sent from the SRI, malicious text messages containing links redirecting recipients to fraudulent websites, and the unauthorized use of the SRI logo on bogus sites that request sensitive information or fake payments. Additionally, unauthorized profiles or communications on social media and digital channels have also been reported, alongside solicitation for advertising funds for a fictitious tax magazine purportedly promoted by the SRI.

This alert serves as a significant reminder for taxpayers to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication they receive that claims to be from the SRI. With scammers increasingly utilizing sophisticated tactics to impersonate legitimate organizations, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and ensure their personal information remains secure to avoid becoming victims of these scams.