Govt flags fake GST notices, advises taxpayers to verify DIN
In a recent development, the Government’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has flagged concerns over fraudsters sending fake GST notices to taxpayers. These notices, which use the CGST logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN), have been causing confusion and panic among taxpayers. The CBIC has advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The issue came to light when a user complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer on the social media platform X. The user claimed that the caller was asking for personal and financial information, citing a fake GST notice. The CBIC responded to the complaint, stating that the notice was indeed fake and that taxpayers should be cautious when receiving such communications.
The CBIC has warned that fraudsters are using the CGST logo and fake DIN to make their notices appear genuine. However, the board has emphasized that all genuine notices and communications from the GST department will have a valid DIN, which can be verified on the CBIC portal. Taxpayers are advised to check the DIN on the portal before responding to any notice or communication.
This is not the first time that fake GST notices have been reported. In recent months, there have been several instances of taxpayers receiving fake notices and calls from individuals claiming to be GST officers. These scams have resulted in financial losses for some taxpayers, who have ended up paying fines or penalties to the fraudsters.
The CBIC has taken steps to prevent such scams and has advised taxpayers to be vigilant when receiving any communication related to GST. The board has also asked taxpayers to report any suspicious activity or communication to the authorities immediately.
To verify the DIN, taxpayers can visit the CBIC portal and follow these steps:
- Log in to the CBIC portal using their GSTIN and password.
- Click on the “Notice/Order” tab.
- Enter the DIN mentioned in the notice or communication.
- If the DIN is valid, the details of the notice or communication will be displayed on the portal.
- If the DIN is not valid, the portal will display an error message.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be cautious when receiving calls or emails from individuals claiming to be GST officers. Taxpayers should never provide personal or financial information to unknown individuals, and should always verify the identity of the caller or sender before responding.
In addition to verifying the DIN, taxpayers can also take other precautions to avoid falling prey to fake GST notices. These include:
- Being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or emails from unknown individuals.
- Never providing personal or financial information to unknown individuals.
- Verifying the identity of the caller or sender before responding.
- Checking the CBIC portal for any notices or communications related to their GSTIN.
- Reporting any suspicious activity or communication to the authorities immediately.
The CBIC has also announced that it will be taking steps to prevent fake GST notices and to educate taxpayers about the risks of such scams. The board will be conducting awareness campaigns and workshops to inform taxpayers about the importance of verifying the DIN and being cautious when receiving communications related to GST.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a timely reminder for taxpayers to be vigilant when receiving communications related to GST. By verifying the DIN and taking other precautions, taxpayers can avoid falling prey to such scams and ensure that they are complying with the GST regulations. The CBIC’s efforts to prevent fake GST notices and to educate taxpayers are commendable, and we hope that these efforts will help to reduce the incidence of such scams in the future.
News Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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