Govt flags fake GST notices, advises taxpayers to verify DIN
The Indian 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 notices often use the Central GST (CGST) logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN) to appear authentic. The CBIC’s warning comes after a taxpayer complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer, prompting the government to issue an advisory to taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal.
The use of fake DINs and the CGST logo is a clever tactic employed by fraudsters to deceive taxpayers into believing that the notices are genuine. The DIN is a unique number assigned to each communication issued by the CBIC, and it can be verified on the CBIC’s portal. By using a fake DIN, fraudsters aim to create a sense of urgency and authenticity, often prompting taxpayers to take immediate action, such as paying a fine or providing sensitive information.
The CBIC’s advisory is a timely reminder to taxpayers to be vigilant and cautious when receiving communications that appear to be from the government. The government has emphasized that taxpayers should verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to ensure that the notice is genuine. This can be done by visiting the CBIC’s website and checking the DIN against the list of genuine communications issued by the department.
The issue of fake GST notices is not new, and it has been a persistent problem since the introduction of GST in 2017. Fraudsters have been using various tactics to deceive taxpayers, including sending fake notices, making threatening phone calls, and even creating fake websites that mimic the government’s portal. The CBIC has been working to combat these frauds, but the problem persists, and taxpayers need to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.
The CBIC’s advisory is an important step in educating taxpayers about the risks of fake GST notices and the importance of verifying the DIN. By taking this step, the government aims to prevent taxpayers from falling prey to these frauds and to ensure that they are not misled into taking any action that could harm their interests.
To verify the DIN, taxpayers can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the CBIC’s website and navigate to the “Search DIN” section.
- Enter the DIN mentioned in the communication in the search box.
- If the DIN is genuine, the search results will display the details of the communication, including the date and time of issue.
- If the DIN is not found, it is likely that the communication is fake, and taxpayers should not take any action based on it.
In addition to verifying the DIN, taxpayers should also be cautious when receiving communications that:
- Demand immediate payment or action
- Threaten penalties or fines
- Ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details or passwords
- Appear to be from a government department, but the language and tone are unprofessional
If taxpayers receive a communication that they suspect is fake, they should not respond or take any action. Instead, they should report the incident to the CBIC or the local tax authorities, who can investigate and take necessary action.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s advisory is a timely reminder to taxpayers to be vigilant and cautious when receiving communications that appear to be from the government. By verifying the DIN and being aware of the risks of fake GST notices, taxpayers can protect themselves from falling prey to these frauds. The government’s efforts to combat these frauds are ongoing, and taxpayers should remain informed and educated about the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid any harm.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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