The CBIC has warned taxpayers about a scam where individuals are being sent fake summons from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) or the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) authority.
For duping people, fake summons usually have the department's emblem and false Document Identification Numbers (DINs). Fraudsters target those taxpayers who are under investigation, as well as unconnected taxpayers in some cases.
Fraudsters deploy techniques to make taxpayers believe that the false summons are original. Moreover, some taxpayers receive intimidating messages or payment demands, along with threats of legal action from scammers.
Fraudsters' main aim in using fake summons is to instill fear and pressure in the users so that they make rash decisions, like transferring money or sharing sensitive personal information.
As per CBIC, taxpayers should confirm the legitimacy of the summons they receive by going to the official CBIC portal. Taxpayers can choose the 'Verify CBIC-DIN' option after accessing the official website.
Taxpayers should be aware that if the DIN does not align or the verification yields incorrect results, the message is probably a scam. The CBIC advises taxpayers to stay vigilant about these emerging frauds and to take proactive measures.
