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 fake notices, which use the CGST logo and a fake Document Identification Number (DIN), are being used to dupe taxpayers into paying fines or penalties. In a recent reply to a complaint on social media platform X, the CBIC advised taxpayers to verify the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to avoid falling prey to such scams.
The complaint was made by a taxpayer who received a call from a person claiming to be a GST officer. The caller allegedly informed the taxpayer that they had outstanding GST dues and demanded payment immediately. The taxpayer, however, grew suspicious when the caller asked for payment to be made through a specific bank account. Upon investigation, it was found that the notice was fake, and the DIN mentioned on the notice was not genuine.
This incident highlights the increasing number of cases where fraudsters are using fake GST notices to cheat taxpayers. The CBIC has warned taxpayers to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any communication they receive from the department. The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to check the DIN mentioned in every communication on its portal to ensure that it is genuine.
So, what is a Document Identification Number (DIN), and how can taxpayers verify it? A DIN is a unique number assigned to every communication sent by the CBIC to taxpayers. This number is used to identify the authenticity of the communication and prevent fraud. Taxpayers can verify the DIN by visiting the CBIC portal and checking the list of genuine DINs.
To verify the DIN, taxpayers can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the CBIC portal at www.cbic.gov.in.
- Click on the “Search DIN” tab on the homepage.
- Enter the DIN mentioned in the communication in the search box.
- If the DIN is genuine, the details of the communication, including the date and purpose of the notice, will be displayed on the screen.
- If the DIN is not found in the search results, it is likely to be fake, and taxpayers should not respond to the communication.
The CBIC has also advised taxpayers to be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers claiming to be from the GST department. Taxpayers should never share their personal or financial information with unknown callers or respond to demands for payment without verifying the authenticity of the communication.
In addition to verifying the DIN, taxpayers can also take other precautions to avoid falling prey to fake GST notices. These include:
- Never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers or responders.
- Not responding to demands for payment without verifying the authenticity of the communication.
- Keeping their GSTIN and password confidential and not sharing them with anyone.
- Regularly checking their GST account for any outstanding dues or notices.
The CBIC has also warned taxpayers that they will never ask for payment or personal information through phone calls or messages. All communications from the CBIC will be sent through the GST portal or registered email, and taxpayers should only respond to these official communications.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s warning about fake GST notices highlights the need for taxpayers to be vigilant and cautious when receiving communications from the GST department. By verifying the DIN and taking other precautions, taxpayers can avoid falling prey to these scams and ensure that they are complying with the GST laws and regulations. Taxpayers are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious communications to the CBIC immediately.
Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/nation/cbic-flags-fake-gst-notices-advises-taxpayers-to-verify-din
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