Fake GST Summon: Why In The News?
Last week, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a warning regarding the issuance of fake GST summons by fraudsters. Taxpayers are being advised to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication received from GST authorities.
In a statement, the CBIC mentioned that the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) recently observed a concerning trend: individuals with fraudulent intent are creating and sending fake summons to taxpayers, regardless of whether they are under investigation by the DGGI or not.
According to the CBIC, these fake summons may appear genuine as they include a Document Identification Number (DIN). However, these DIN numbers are not issued by the DGGI for these entities. To address this issue, the DGGI is taking significant steps by informing and filing complaints with the Police against those involved in creating and sending fake and fraudulent summons.
How To Verify GST Summons?
To avoid falling victim to scams, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of any GST summon before responding. The CBIC recommends the following steps:
| Step | Verification Method |
|---|---|
| 1 | Utilize the ‘VERIFY CBIC-DIN’ window on the CBIC’s website |
| 2 | Use the DIN Utility Search on the online portal of Directorate of Data Management (DDM), CBIC |
If you receive a summon that seems suspicious or possibly fake, it’s essential to report it immediately. The CBIC advises individual taxpayers to report such instances to the concerned jurisdictional DGGI/CBIC office for verification. This proactive approach enables necessary action against those responsible for these fraudulent activities.
By following these guidelines and remaining vigilant, taxpayers can safeguard themselves against potential scams and fraudulent activities related to GST summons.