LOOK AFTER! Fraudsters are sending FALSE summons for GST violations. Here's how to identify them

Taxpayers can check the veracity of any DGGI/CBIC communication by using the 'VERIFY CBIC-DIN' window on the CBIC website.

The fake subpoenas that are sent may look real because they have a document identification number. (Representative image)

GST Violations: The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has recently noticed that some persons with fraudulent intent are preparing and sending fake summons to the taxpayers who may or may not be under investigation by the DGGI.

The fake summonses that are sent may appear genuine because they have a Document Identification Number (DIN), but these DIN numbers are not issued by DGGI to these entities. To address this problem, DGGI has taken serious steps by informing and filing complaints with the police against those involved in preparing and sending false and fraudulent summons.

CBIC has issued Circular No. 122/41/2019-GST dated November 5, 2019 regarding generation and citation of DIN on notices issued by CBIC officials to taxpayers. To raise taxpayer awareness, taxpayers can verify the authenticity of any communication (including subpoena) from the Department by using the 'VERIFY CBIC-DIN' window on the CBIC website or through the DIN Utility Search at the online portal of Directorate of Data Management (DDM), CBIC.

Individual taxpayers who receive summonses from DGGI/CBIC formations that appear suspicious or possibly fake may immediately report them to the concerned jurisdictional DGGI/CBIC office for verification so that necessary action can be taken against those responsible for these fraudulent activities .