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, which use the Central GST (CGST) logo, have been causing panic among taxpayers, who are being misled into believing that they have outstanding tax liabilities. The CBIC has advised taxpayers to verify the Document Identification Number (DIN) mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The CBIC’s warning comes after a user complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer, who claimed that the taxpayer had outstanding tax liabilities and demanded payment. The CBIC, in its reply, stated that the notice was fake and that taxpayers should be cautious of such scams. The CBIC has also requested taxpayers to report any such instances to the authorities immediately.
The use of fake DINs is a new modus operandi being employed by fraudsters to lend credibility to their fake notices. The DIN is a unique number assigned to each communication issued by the CBIC, and it can be verified on the CBIC’s portal. The CBIC has advised taxpayers to check the DIN mentioned in every communication, including emails, letters, and notices, to ensure that they are genuine.
The CBIC has also warned taxpayers against responding to fake notices or making payments in response to such notices. Taxpayers are advised to contact their jurisdictional officer or the CBIC’s helpline in case they receive any suspicious communication. The CBIC has also requested taxpayers to be cautious of fake calls and messages, which may appear to be from GST officers, but are actually from fraudsters.
The issue of fake GST notices is not new, and the CBIC has been warning taxpayers about such scams since the introduction of GST in 2017. However, the use of fake DINs has added a new layer of complexity to these scams, making it more difficult for taxpayers to distinguish between genuine and fake notices.
To avoid falling prey to such scams, taxpayers should be vigilant and take certain precautions. Firstly, they should verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on the CBIC’s portal. Secondly, they should be cautious of fake calls and messages, which may appear to be from GST officers, but are actually from fraudsters. Thirdly, they should not respond to fake notices or make payments in response to such notices. Finally, they should contact their jurisdictional officer or the CBIC’s helpline in case they receive any suspicious communication.
The CBIC’s advisory is a timely reminder to taxpayers to be cautious of fake GST notices and to verify the authenticity of every communication received from the GST department. By taking these precautions, taxpayers can avoid falling prey to such scams and ensure that they are in compliance with the GST laws.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a reminder to taxpayers to be vigilant and cautious when receiving communications from the GST department. The use of fake DINs has added a new layer of complexity to these scams, and taxpayers should take all necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to such scams. By verifying the DIN mentioned in every communication and being cautious of fake calls and messages, taxpayers can ensure that they are in compliance with the GST laws and avoid any unnecessary hassle.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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