Govt flags fake GST notices, advises taxpayers to verify DIN
In a bid to protect taxpayers from falling prey to fraudulent activities, the Government’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has flagged concerns over fake Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices being sent by fraudsters. These fake notices, which use the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) logo, also contain a fake Document Identification Number (DIN). The CBIC has advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid being misled.
The CBIC’s warning comes after a user complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer on the microblogging platform, X. The user claimed that the caller was asking for personal and financial information, citing a fake GST notice. In its reply, the CBIC stated that it had not issued any such notice and warned taxpayers to be cautious of such fraudulent activities.
The use of fake DINs is a new tactic employed by fraudsters to lend credibility to their fake notices. The DIN is a unique 20-digit number that is generated by the CBIC’s system for every communication sent to taxpayers. By verifying the DIN, taxpayers can ensure that the notice or communication they have received is genuine and not a fake one.
The CBIC has advised taxpayers to follow a few simple steps to verify the authenticity of GST notices. Firstly, they should check the DIN mentioned in the notice on the CBIC’s portal. If the DIN is not available on the portal, it is likely to be a fake notice. Secondly, taxpayers should be wary of notices that ask for personal and financial information, such as bank account details or credit card numbers. Genuine GST notices will never ask for such information.
Moreover, the CBIC has also warned taxpayers to be cautious of fake calls and messages from purported GST officers. These calls and messages may ask taxpayers to pay a certain amount of money or face penal action. The CBIC has stated that it will never ask taxpayers to pay any amount of money over the phone or through messages. All payments related to GST should be made only through the official GST portal.
The CBIC’s warning is a timely reminder for taxpayers to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with GST-related communications. With the increasing use of technology and digital platforms, fraudsters are finding new ways to cheat and mislead taxpayers. By verifying the DIN and being cautious of fake notices and calls, taxpayers can protect themselves from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
In addition to the CBIC’s warning, taxpayers should also take a few precautions to protect themselves from GST-related frauds. Firstly, they should never share their personal and financial information with anyone over the phone or through messages. Secondly, they should always check the authenticity of GST notices and communications on the CBIC’s portal. Thirdly, they should be wary of notices that ask for payment of a certain amount of money or threaten penal action.
The CBIC’s efforts to protect taxpayers from fake GST notices are part of its larger initiative to prevent tax evasion and promote a culture of compliance. The GST, which was introduced in 2017, is a comprehensive indirect tax that has simplified the tax regime and reduced compliance burden for taxpayers. However, with the increasing complexity of tax laws and regulations, taxpayers need to be aware of their rights and obligations to avoid being misled by fraudsters.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a timely reminder for taxpayers to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with GST-related communications. By verifying the DIN and being cautious of fake notices and calls, taxpayers can protect themselves from falling prey to fraudulent activities. The CBIC’s efforts to prevent tax evasion and promote a culture of compliance are commendable, and taxpayers should take all necessary precautions to avoid being misled by fraudsters.
Source:
https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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