Govt flags fake GST notices, advises taxpayers to verify DIN
The Government’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has flagged concerns over fraudsters sending fake Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices to taxpayers. These notices, which use the Central GST (CGST) logo, often contain a fake Document Identification Number (DIN) in an attempt to deceive taxpayers. The CBIC’s warning comes after a taxpayer complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer, prompting the board to issue an advisory to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal.
The use of fake DINs and the CGST logo is a clever ploy by fraudsters to make their notices appear legitimate. However, the CBIC has warned taxpayers that they should not take these notices at face value and instead verify the authenticity of the communication. The DIN is a unique identification number assigned to each communication issued by the GST department, and it can be verified on the CBIC’s portal.
The CBIC’s advisory is a timely reminder to taxpayers to be vigilant when receiving communications from the GST department. With the increasing use of digital communication, it has become easier for fraudsters to send fake notices and emails that appear to be from legitimate sources. However, by verifying the DIN, taxpayers can ensure that they are not falling prey to these scams.
So, how can taxpayers verify the DIN mentioned in a notice? The process is relatively simple. Taxpayers can visit the CBIC’s portal and search for the DIN in the “Search DIN” section. If the DIN is genuine, the details of the communication, including the date and purpose of the notice, will be displayed on the portal. If the DIN is not found on the portal, it is likely that the notice is fake, and taxpayers should not respond to it or take any action based on its contents.
The CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is not an isolated incident. There have been several instances in the past where fraudsters have used fake notices and emails to deceive taxpayers. In some cases, these notices have demanded payment of GST or penalties, while in others, they have asked taxpayers to provide sensitive information, such as their GST identification number or bank account details.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, taxpayers should be cautious when receiving communications from the GST department. Here are some tips to help taxpayers identify fake notices:
- Verify the DIN: As mentioned earlier, verifying the DIN is the most effective way to check the authenticity of a notice. Taxpayers should always check the CBIC’s portal to ensure that the DIN is genuine.
- Check the email ID: The GST department sends notices and communications from authorized email IDs that end with “@gov.in” or “@nic.in”. Taxpayers should be wary of notices sent from email IDs that do not have these extensions.
- Be cautious of generic greetings: Fake notices often use generic greetings, such as “Dear Taxpayer” or “Dear Sir/Madam”. Genuine notices from the GST department typically address taxpayers by their name or GST identification number.
- Watch out for spelling and grammar mistakes: Fake notices often contain spelling and grammar mistakes, which are rare in genuine communications from the GST department.
- Do not respond to demands for payment or information: Taxpayers should never respond to demands for payment or provide sensitive information in response to a notice. Instead, they should verify the authenticity of the notice and contact the GST department directly if they have any doubts.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a timely reminder to taxpayers to be vigilant when receiving communications from the GST department. By verifying the DIN and being cautious of generic greetings, spelling and grammar mistakes, and demands for payment or information, taxpayers can avoid falling prey to these scams. The CBIC’s advisory is an important step in preventing tax-related fraud and protecting the interests of honest taxpayers.
News Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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