Millions of Norwegians will soon be receiving notices that their annual tax returns are ready for review online. State officials are warning taxpayers, meanwhile, against being fooled by fraudulent email or text messages that resemble those from the tax authority Skatteetaten but can include dangerous links.
“We never send any links via email or SMS that haven’t been requested,” stresses Ragna Fossen, in charge of security and preparedness at Skatteetaten. Nor do the tax authorities use QR-codes or ask for taxpayers’ bank account information online.
Fossen warns that any email or text messages that look like they’re from Skatteetaten but contain links and/or request account details are fraudulent and should be junked immediately. A new method of attempted fraud this year involves messages that look like they come from the police (Politi) and contain questions about their recipients’ taxes. Those should be junked, too, Fossen said.
The legitimate mails or messages from Skatteetaten will simply inform the taxpayer that his or her return is available for review. Then it’s up to individual taxpayers to click into the genuine website involved, review their return and file it. Those doing so and filing them quickly may receive any refunds owed by the end of March. The deadline for filing Norwegian tax returns is April 30, or May 31 for those who own businesses.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
