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 authentic, bearing the Central GST (CGST) logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN). The CBIC has warned taxpayers to be cautious and verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The warning comes after a taxpayer complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer, prompting the CBIC to issue an advisory to all taxpayers. The CBIC stated that it has been brought to their notice that some unscrupulous elements are sending fake GST notices, which are designed to deceive taxpayers into paying fines or penalties. These fake notices are often sent via email or post, and may even include a phone call from a person claiming to be a GST officer.
The CBIC has advised taxpayers to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any communication they receive from the GST department. The simplest way to do this is to check the DIN mentioned in the notice. The DIN is a unique number assigned to every communication sent by the GST department, and it can be verified on the CBIC portal. Taxpayers can visit the CBIC website and enter the DIN to check if the notice is genuine or not.
The CBIC has also warned taxpayers not to respond to any communication that does not bear a genuine DIN. If a taxpayer receives a notice or a call from someone claiming to be a GST officer, they should immediately verify the DIN on the CBIC portal. If the DIN is not genuine, the taxpayer should not respond to the notice or make any payment.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be cautious of any communication that asks for personal or financial information. Taxpayers should never share their personal or financial information with anyone, especially if they are not sure about the authenticity of the communication. The GST department will never ask taxpayers to share their personal or financial information via email or phone, and any such request should be treated as suspicious.
The issue of fake GST notices is not new, and it has been a concern for taxpayers since the introduction of GST in 2017. However, the CBIC has taken several steps to prevent such scams and protect taxpayers. The introduction of DIN is one such step, which has made it easier for taxpayers to verify the authenticity of communications from the GST department.
In addition to verifying the DIN, taxpayers can also take other precautions to avoid falling prey to fake GST notices. For example, they can be cautious of any communication that creates a sense of urgency or threatens them with penalties. The GST department will never threaten taxpayers with penalties or fines without following the due process of law. Taxpayers should also be wary of any communication that asks them to make a payment to a personal account or a third-party account.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to report any suspicious communication to the GST department. If a taxpayer receives a fake notice or a call from someone claiming to be a GST officer, they should immediately report it to the CBIC. The CBIC will take action against the perpetrators and prevent them from sending fake notices to other taxpayers.
In conclusion, the CBIC has flagged concerns over fake GST notices and advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication. Taxpayers should be cautious of any communication that does not bear a genuine DIN and should not respond to any notice or make any payment without verifying the authenticity of the communication. The CBIC has taken several steps to prevent such scams, and taxpayers can also take precautions to protect themselves. By being vigilant and verifying the DIN, taxpayers can avoid falling prey to fake GST notices and ensure a smooth and hassle-free GST compliance experience.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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