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 GST notices to taxpayers. These notices, which use the CGST logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN), are being used to deceive taxpayers and extract money from them. In a recent reply to a Twitter user who complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer, the CBIC advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal.
The issue of fake GST notices has been a persistent problem for taxpayers, with many receiving calls and emails from individuals claiming to be GST officers. These individuals often demand payment of taxes or penalties, and may even threaten to take legal action if the taxpayer does not comply. However, the CBIC has made it clear that these notices are fake and are being sent by fraudsters.
The use of the CGST logo and a fake DIN is a clever tactic used by these fraudsters to make their notices appear legitimate. The CGST logo is a recognized symbol of the GST authorities, and many taxpayers may assume that any notice bearing this logo is genuine. Similarly, the use of a fake DIN may lead taxpayers to believe that the notice is a genuine communication from the GST authorities.
However, the CBIC has advised taxpayers to be cautious and to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal. The CBIC has created a facility on its website that allows taxpayers to verify the DIN of any notice or communication they receive. This facility can be accessed by visiting the CBIC website and clicking on the “Verify DIN” link.
To verify the DIN, taxpayers need to enter the DIN number mentioned in the notice or communication they received. The CBIC portal will then display the details of the notice or communication, including the date of issue, the purpose of the notice, and the officer who issued it. If the DIN is genuine, the portal will display the relevant details. However, if the DIN is fake, the portal will display an error message indicating that the DIN is not valid.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be wary of any notice or communication that demands payment of taxes or penalties without providing any details of the tax liability. Taxpayers should also be cautious of any notice or communication that threatens to take legal action if the taxpayer does not comply with the demands made in the notice.
In addition to verifying the DIN, taxpayers can also take other steps to protect themselves from fake GST notices. These include being cautious of any notice or communication that is not addressed to them by name, and being wary of any notice or communication that demands payment of taxes or penalties through a particular bank account or payment gateway.
Taxpayers can also report any suspicious notice or communication to the CBIC or the local GST authorities. The CBIC has set up a dedicated helpline and email address for taxpayers to report any suspicious activity. Taxpayers can call the helpline or send an email to the CBIC, providing details of the suspicious notice or communication they received.
In conclusion, the issue of fake GST notices is a serious concern for taxpayers, and the CBIC has taken steps to advise taxpayers on how to verify the authenticity of any notice or communication they receive. By verifying the DIN mentioned in every communication on the CBIC portal, taxpayers can protect themselves from fake GST notices and avoid falling prey to fraudsters. Taxpayers should also be cautious of any notice or communication that demands payment of taxes or penalties without providing any details of the tax liability, and should report any suspicious activity to the CBIC or the local GST authorities.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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