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 fake notices are designed to look like official communications from the government, complete with the Central GST (CGST) logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN). The CBIC has warned taxpayers to be cautious of such notices and has advised them to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal.
The warning from the CBIC 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, allegedly to resolve a GST-related issue. The CBIC replied to the user, stating that the call was likely a scam and that taxpayers should always verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the GST department.
The use of fake DINs is a new tactic employed by fraudsters to make their fake notices appear legitimate. The DIN is a unique identifier assigned to every official communication sent by the GST department. By using a fake DIN, fraudsters are attempting to create a sense of urgency and authenticity, in the hopes that taxpayers will respond to their notices without verifying their legitimacy.
The CBIC has advised taxpayers to be vigilant and to always verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal. Taxpayers can do this by visiting the CBIC website and searching for the DIN in the “Search DIN” section. If the DIN is not found on the website, it is likely that the communication is fake.
In addition to verifying the DIN, the CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be cautious of any communication that asks for personal or financial information. The GST department will never ask for such information over the phone or via email, and taxpayers should never respond to such requests.
The issue of fake GST notices is not new, and the CBIC has been warning taxpayers about such scams for several years. However, the use of fake DINs is a new and sophisticated tactic that requires taxpayers to be even more vigilant. The CBIC has urged taxpayers to report any suspicious communications to the authorities immediately, so that action can be taken against the fraudsters.
The CBIC has also reminded taxpayers that they can always contact their local GST office or the CBIC’s helpline if they have any doubts or concerns about a communication they have received. The CBIC’s helpline number is available on its website, and taxpayers can call or email the helpline to verify the authenticity of any communication.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a timely reminder for taxpayers to be cautious and vigilant. The use of fake DINs is a new and sophisticated tactic employed by fraudsters, and taxpayers must take all necessary precautions to protect themselves. By verifying the DIN mentioned in every communication on the CBIC portal and being cautious of any communication that asks for personal or financial information, taxpayers can avoid falling prey to these scams.
The CBIC’s efforts to combat fake GST notices are part of a broader effort to prevent tax evasion and ensure compliance with GST laws. The government has been taking several measures to simplify the GST process and make it more taxpayer-friendly, and the CBIC’s warning about fake notices is an important part of this effort.
As the GST regime continues to evolve, it is likely that fraudsters will continue to find new ways to exploit taxpayers. However, by staying informed and vigilant, taxpayers can protect themselves and ensure that they comply with GST laws. The CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is an important reminder of the need for taxpayers to be cautious and to always verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the GST department.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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