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 into taking action. In a recent reply to a complaint on social media platform X, the CBIC advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The CBIC’s warning comes in the wake of several complaints from taxpayers who have received fake GST notices, often accompanied by threatening phone calls from individuals claiming to be GST officers. These fraudsters typically demand immediate payment of taxes or penalties, citing a fake DIN as proof of the notice’s authenticity. The CBIC has clarified that all genuine GST notices are issued with a valid DIN, which can be verified on the CBIC’s website.
To verify the authenticity of a GST notice, taxpayers can follow a simple process. First, they should check the notice for a valid DIN, which is a unique 20-digit number assigned to each communication issued by the CBIC. Next, they can visit the CBIC’s website and navigate to the “Search DIN” section, where they can enter the DIN mentioned in the notice to verify its authenticity. If the DIN is not found on the CBIC’s portal, it is likely that the notice is fake.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be cautious when receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be GST officers. Genuine GST officers will always provide their name, designation, and contact details, and will never demand immediate payment of taxes or penalties over the phone. Taxpayers who receive such calls should immediately hang up and verify the authenticity of the notice on the CBIC’s website.
The use of fake DINs and CGST logos by fraudsters is a serious concern, as it can lead to financial losses for taxpayers and damage the credibility of the GST system. The CBIC has assured taxpayers that it is taking all necessary measures to prevent such scams and to protect the interests of genuine taxpayers.
In addition to verifying the DIN, taxpayers can also take other precautions to avoid falling prey to fake GST notices. These include being cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls that demand payment of taxes or penalties, and never sharing sensitive financial information with unknown individuals. Taxpayers should also keep their GST registration and other financial documents up to date, as this can help to prevent fraudsters from using their information to send fake notices.
The CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a timely reminder of the need for taxpayers to be vigilant and to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from financial scams. By verifying the DIN and being cautious of unsolicited communications, taxpayers can help to prevent financial losses and ensure that the GST system operates smoothly and efficiently.
In conclusion, the Government’s CBIC has flagged concerns over fake GST notices and advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal. Taxpayers should be cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls that demand payment of taxes or penalties, and should never share sensitive financial information with unknown individuals. By taking these precautions, taxpayers can help to prevent financial scams and ensure that the GST system operates smoothly and efficiently.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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