Reclaim of over 1,600 euros - Beware of this 'tax office message'

Currently, many e-mails that supposedly come from FinanzOnline or the Federal Ministry of Finance are shortening again. In some cases, there is talk of more than 1,600 euros as a reclaim. Recipients are supposed to pay this amount to the "tax office" by clicking on a link. However, these are fake messages. You should not follow the requests under any circumstances!

For example, the wording of the messages with the subject "FinanzOnline Notification – Settlement Correction Tax Year 2023" reads: "You have an outstanding amount with the note: ZB-89890332-9928, which has not yet been paid despite multiple reminders. This claim results from an annual accounting correction for the 2023 tax year, which does not affect previous credit balances."

In the event of non-payment, there is even a threat of seizure: "If no payment is made, the bailiff will begin the provisional seizure of your household contents on 15.09.2025." A fictitious key figure as a note is intended to give this message a valid and serious appearance. A supposed invoice number is also mentioned.

However, the tax office or other government institutions would never send such information in the form of an e-mail.

BMF repeatedly affected by fake news

Just recently, fake tax office messages were also sent, threatening, among other things, a fine of up to 224 euros.

Finanz.at reported on it. Just last Saturday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also warned again about such phishing and fake messages in the name of FinanzOnline and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

How to recognize phishing emails on the Internet

Even though the phishing or fraud attempts are getting better and better, it can be seen quite quickly that these are not real messages from official bodies:

1. The sender of the message is not the official authority (bmf.gv.at, oegk.at or other official domain).
2. There is no correct, direct salutation or the like and it does not contain the correct name of the recipients.
3. The tax office, the ÖGK or other institutions would never mention the exact amount of a refund or an open claim in the e-mail.
4. The link provided does not lead to an official website of the authority.
5. The spelling of the email text is incorrect.

Based on these characteristics, it is easy to see that the message cannot be genuine. It should therefore be deleted immediately and no requests should be followed!