Unmasking the Fraud: How to Spot and Verify Fake GST Notices

Received a GST violation notice? Hold on before you panic-it might not be real. Recently, scammers have ramped up their game by sending fake GST summons that look alarmingly official. These fraudulent notices are designed to trick taxpayers into acting fast-demanding payments or personal information, all while mimicking the real thing. If you've been targeted by one of these scams, you're not alone.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), under the Ministry of Finance, issued a Press release dated 10.02.2024, warning taxpayers about the rise in counterfeit GST summons. To reinforce the same, a follow-up Press release dated 24.01.2025 has been issued, cautioning the taxpayers against fraudsters issuing fake and fraudulent Summons for GST violations.

The Ministry of Finance flagged an alarming increase in fake GST violation summons. Fraudsters are going to great lengths to make their fake documents appear legitimate, using unauthorized CBIC logos and even fake Document Identification Numbers (DINs). The goal? To exploit the trust, taxpayers have in the system, making them think the notices are real.

But don't panic! Before you take any action, there's a simple way to confirm whether a GST notice is authentic: use the CBIC's "VERIFY CBIC-DIN" tool. Not all GST notices are scams-some are perfectly legitimate, such as those for delayed filings or discrepancies in payments. However, it's crucial to know how to tell the difference to avoid falling victim to these scams.

In this article, we'll explain how the CBIC is tackling the problem of fake GST notices, how to spot one, and why it's just as important to handle legitimate notices correctly. Stay informed, and don't let fraudsters take advantage of your trust!

CBIC's Press Release: A Mechanism to Verify Authenticity

Recognizing the rise in fraudulent notices and summons, CBIC issued press releases urging taxpayers to verify any notice or summons received from the department. They introduced the "VERIFY CBIC-DIN" tool, an online verification system that allows taxpayers to confirm the authenticity of any document issued by CBIC. The Document Identification Number (DIN) has emerged as a critical element in ensuring transparency and credibility in official communications.

Taxpayers can now cross-check the legitimacy of any GST-related document by entering the DIN on CBIC's online verification portal. If the system does not recognize the DIN, the document is likely fraudulent, the taxpayers are strongly encouraged to report the matter immediately to the concerned DGGI or CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) formations. Timely reporting will enable the authorities to investigate and take legal action against the perpetrators.

Mandatory DIN: A Significant Move to Curb Fraud

To step up its efforts against fraud, the CBIC has rolled out a powerful tool that's transforming how official communications are handled: the Document Identification Number (DIN). This significant move, backed by Circular No. 122/41/2019-GST dated November 5, 2019, is aimed at bringing more transparency and accountability to GST administration. But how exactly does it work, and why should taxpayers pay attention?

In essence, the DIN is a unique identifier for any official communication issued by the GST department-whether it's a search authorization, a summons, an arrest memo, or an inspection notice. The introduction of this system ensures a clear audit trail and allows taxpayers to verify the authenticity of a document. If a notice doesn't include a DIN (unless there's a specific, legitimate reason for this like technical difficulties or urgent situations), it's automatically deemed invalid. However, there may be cases where communication is issued without a document identification number, for instance:

In such situations, the communication must be regularized by generating DIN within 15 working days of its issuance.

Here's how it works in practice: when you receive any official GST communication, look for the DIN, which follows this format: CBIC-YYYY MM ZCDR NNNNNN. Breaking it down:

With this code in hand, simply visit the VERIFY CBIC-DIN tool on the CBIC website. By entering the DIN, you can quickly check whether the document is legitimate. If the DIN is valid, the system will show you the issuing office and the date it was generated. If there's no match, you'll know something's off.

This system was further reinforced with Circular No. 128/47/2019-GST, dated December 23, 2019. It expanded the use of DIN to cover all forms of communication-yes, even emails! From December 24, 2019, every communication sent to taxpayers, including digital notices, must carry a DIN. This digital verification tool ensures that taxpayers can cross-check the authenticity of any notice they receive, keeping fraudsters at bay.

The result? Fraudulent notices, once a growing concern, are now easier to spot and harder to execute. Communications without a DIN will be considered invalid and treated as though they were never issued. With these measures in place, CBIC has set a strong deterrent against scammers trying to misuse the department's identity.

Methods to Verify the Authenticity of a GST Notice If you receive a GST-related notice and want to verify its legitimacy, there are several reliable methods you can use:

❖ Method 1: Check the GST Portal

Log into the official GST portal and verify if the notice is recorded under your GSTIN. Go to the "Dashboard" or "Notices/Orders" tab to find the issued notice. Cross-check details like the reference number and date with the document you received. If everything aligns, you're likely looking at a genuine notice.

❖ Method 2: Use CBIC's Verification Tool

The Document Identification Number (DIN) is a unique code found on every legitimate official communication issued by the GST department. Look for the DIN in the format CBIC-YYYY MM ZCDR NNNN. Once you've found it, visit the CBIC"s website https://esanchar.cbic.gov.in/DIN/DINSearch and use the "VERIFY CBIC-DIN" tool to check if the document is authentic. If the system recognizes the DIN, you'll get confirmation that it's legitimate.

❖ Method 3: Use the DIN Utility on DDM Portal

You can also verify the DIN on the Directorate of Data Management (DDM) portal. Simply enter the DIN from the notice into the DIN Utility Search feature to confirm whether the document is genuine or fake.

❖ Method 4: Confirm the Issuing Officer's Details

Another method is to cross-check the contact details of the issuing officer. Go to the CBIC or DGGI website and find official contact information. Avoid using any details listed in the suspicious document. Get in touch with the relevant authorities, provide them the notice's information, and ask for confirmation about its authenticity.

❖ Method 5: Reach Out to CBIC or GST Helpdesk

If you're still unsure about the notice, reach out directly to CBIC or visit a nearby GST office. The helpdesk is available to assist you and clarify any doubts regarding the notice you received.

How to Spot a Fake GST Notice☎

Fraudsters are constantly refining their tricks, making it essential for taxpayers to recognize the warning signs of a fraudulent GST notice. Here's what to watch out for:

★Unverified Sender Information – Official notices are only sent from government domains such as @gov.in or @nic.in. If the email originates from a generic or personal email ID, it's a major red flag.

★Unusual Payment Requests – CBIC does not demand direct payments to personal UPI IDs or private bank accounts. If a notice insists on urgent payments through unofficial channels, be cautious.

★Poor Formatting and Grammar – Government-issued notices follow professional language and formatting standards. Spelling errors and inconsistent formatting are indicators of fraud.

★Missing or Invalid DIN – Every legitimate CBIC communication carries a DIN that can be verified on CBIC's website. Notices without a valid DIN are likely fake.

★High-Pressure Tactics– Genuine notices provide adequate time for response. Fake notices often use fear tactics, such as threats of immediate penalties or arrests, to pressure recipients into compliance.

Key Points to Remember When Dealing with a Fake Notice☠

✓Do Not Panic or Make Payments – Scammers thrive on fear and urgency. Never rush into making payments or sharing personal details without verification.

✓Preserve Evidence: Keep records of all related emails, letters, or messages as proof.

✓Report the Scam–Notify official authorities like CBIC, DGGI, and cyber crime departments to help prevent further fraud.

✓Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about emerging scam tactics to protect against potential threats.

✓Spread Awareness–Educate colleagues and fellow taxpayers to help them stay alert and avoid falling victim to such scams.

CBIC's Continued Efforts to Safeguard Taxpayers

CBIC has introduced multiple measures to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to fraudulent notices:

Conclusion: Stay Alert, Verify, and Report

With fraudsters constantly devising new ways to deceive taxpayers, vigilance is key. By utilizing CBIC's verification tools and understanding the hallmarks of a genuine notice, taxpayers can safeguard themselves against scams. Always verify before reacting, and if in doubt, report suspicious notices to the authorities.

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is solely for purpose of understanding the law. It is completely based on the interpretation of the author and cannot be constituted as a legal advise, the author of this article and Lawcrux team is not responsible for any legal issues if arises on the basis of the interpretation given above.