<h1>Fraudulent deduction claims prompt nationwide tax verification, exposing organised ITR preparers and potential prosecution and enforcement.</h1> A large-scale verification targeted organised networks of ITR preparers and intermediaries filing fictitious deductions and false TDS returns to claim excessive refunds, exploiting multiple deduction categories. The operation used third-party data, intelligence and AI tools, and searches aim to recover digital records to support penalties and prosecution. The department stresses voluntary compliance under the guiding principle Trust Taxpayers First and advises taxpayers to file correct income particulars and avoid unauthorised intermediaries.