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 often use the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN) to appear legitimate. The CBIC has advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The warning came in response to a complaint from an X user who received a call from a purported GST officer. The CBIC replied to the complaint, stating that it had come across instances of fake GST notices being sent to taxpayers. These notices often appear to be genuine, with the CGST logo and a fake DIN, but are actually sent by fraudsters with the intention of cheating taxpayers.
The CBIC has stated that it issues notices to taxpayers only through its authorized officers, and these notices always carry a genuine DIN. Taxpayers can verify the DIN on the CBIC’s portal to confirm whether the notice is genuine or not. This is a simple and effective way to prevent falling prey to such scams.
The issue of fake GST notices is a serious one, as it can cause significant financial losses to taxpayers. In some cases, fraudsters may demand payment of a certain amount, claiming that it is due as tax. If the taxpayer pays the amount, they may end up losing their hard-earned money. In other cases, fraudsters may use the fake notices to extract sensitive information from taxpayers, such as their bank account details or personal identification numbers.
To avoid falling prey to such scams, taxpayers should be cautious when receiving any communication that claims to be from the GST department. They should always verify the DIN mentioned in the communication on the CBIC’s portal to confirm whether it is genuine or not. If the DIN is not found on the portal, the notice is likely to be fake, and the taxpayer should not respond to it or make any payment.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be wary of any communication that demands payment of a certain amount or asks for sensitive information. Taxpayers should never share their sensitive information, such as bank account details or personal identification numbers, with anyone over the phone or via email. They should also never make any payment without verifying the authenticity of the notice.
The issue of fake GST notices is not new, and the CBIC has been warning taxpayers about it for some time now. However, it seems that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their methods are becoming more convincing. Therefore, it is essential for taxpayers to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to such scams.
To verify the DIN, taxpayers can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the CBIC’s portal and click on the “Search DIN” option.
- Enter the DIN mentioned in the communication in the search box.
- If the DIN is found on the portal, it means that the notice is genuine.
- If the DIN is not found on the portal, the notice is likely to be fake.
By following these simple steps, taxpayers can easily verify the authenticity of any communication that claims to be from the GST department. This can help prevent significant financial losses and protect taxpayers from falling prey to scams.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices is a timely reminder for taxpayers to be cautious when receiving any communication that claims to be from the GST department. By verifying the DIN mentioned in every communication on the CBIC’s portal, taxpayers can easily confirm whether the notice is genuine or not. This simple step can help prevent significant financial losses and protect taxpayers from falling prey to scams.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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