Govt flags fake GST notices, advises taxpayers to verify DIN
In a bid to alert taxpayers about the rising instances of fake Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices, the Government’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has flagged concerns over fraudsters sending fake GST notices. These notices, which use the Central GST (CGST) logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN), are being used to deceive taxpayers and extract money from them. 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 from the CBIC comes after a user complained about receiving a call from a purported GST officer on the social media platform, X. The user claimed that the caller was asking for money in lieu of a GST notice, which the user had not received. The CBIC responded to the complaint by stating that the notice was fake and that taxpayers should be cautious of such scams.
The use of fake DINs is a new tactic being employed by fraudsters to make their notices appear genuine. The DIN is a unique number assigned to each communication issued by the GST department, and it can be verified on the CBIC’s portal. The CBIC has advised taxpayers to check the DIN of any notice they receive to ensure that it is genuine.
How to verify DIN
Verifying the DIN is a simple process that can be done on the CBIC’s portal. Taxpayers can follow these steps to verify the DIN:
- Log on to the CBIC’s portal at www.cbic.gov.in.
- Click on the “Search DIN” tab.
- Enter the DIN mentioned in the notice.
- If the DIN is genuine, the details of the notice will be displayed on the screen.
- If the DIN is not found, it is likely that the notice is fake.
Precautions to avoid fake GST notices
To avoid falling prey to fake GST notices, taxpayers should take the following precautions:
- Verify the DIN: As mentioned earlier, verifying the DIN is the most effective way to check the genuineness of a notice.
- Check the logo: Fake notices often use a logo that is similar to the CGST logo but not exactly the same. Taxpayers should check the logo carefully to ensure that it is genuine.
- Be cautious of phone calls: Taxpayers should be cautious of phone calls from purported GST officers asking for money. The GST department never asks for money over the phone.
- Check the email ID: Fake notices are often sent from email IDs that are similar to the official email ID of the GST department. Taxpayers should check the email ID carefully to ensure that it is genuine.
- Don’t respond to suspicious emails: Taxpayers should not respond to suspicious emails or click on links provided in such emails.
Consequences of fake GST notices
Fake GST notices can have serious consequences for taxpayers. Not only can they lead to financial losses, but they can also damage the reputation of the taxpayer. In some cases, fake notices can also lead to legal action against the taxpayer.
What to do if you receive a fake GST notice
If you receive a fake GST notice, you should take the following steps:
- Do not respond: Do not respond to the notice or make any payment.
- Verify the DIN: Verify the DIN mentioned in the notice to check its genuineness.
- Report to the authorities: Report the fake notice to the local GST office or the CBIC.
- Lodge a complaint: Lodge a complaint with the cybercrime cell or the local police station.
In conclusion, fake GST notices are a serious concern for taxpayers, and it is essential to take precautions to avoid falling prey to such scams. By verifying the DIN, checking the logo, being cautious of phone calls, checking the email ID, and not responding to suspicious emails, taxpayers can protect themselves from fake GST notices. If you receive a fake GST notice, do not respond, verify the DIN, report to the authorities, and lodge a complaint.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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