Taxpayers in Piauí, Brazil, are currently facing a scam involving fraudulent emails that request the installation of a Digital Certificate. The State Department of Finance (Sefaz) has issued an alert stating that these emails falsely claim to be related to tax audits and urge recipients to click on suspicious links. Sefaz emphasizes that no official communications regarding tax matters are sent by email or other messaging platforms, and this warning aims to prevent individuals from falling victim to the scam.

In their public announcement, Sefaz confirmed that all official correspondence is conducted exclusively through the Electronic Tax Address (Domicílio Tributário Eletrônico - DT-e), which requires a Digital Certificate for access. The agency insists that any communication regarding tax collection will never ask recipients to click on links or provide personal data through unverified channels. By raising awareness about this issue, Sefaz aims to safeguard taxpayers from potential identity theft and financial loss associated with these malicious schemes.

Additionally, Sefaz has clarified that any payment of state taxes should only be carried out through certified channels, particularly through their official website. This serves to legitimate the payment process, ensuring that taxpayers do not inadvertently engage with fraudulent entities. The advisory from Sefaz highlights the need for vigilance amid rising cyber scams targeting individuals and underscores the importance of relying on secure and official communication methods when handling tax-related matters.