Fake GST Violation Notices Alert: How to Spot & Report Them

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a critical warning to taxpayers and businesses across India. In recent months, a surge in fake GST violation notices has been reported, with scammers impersonating government officials to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

These fraudulent notices are sent via email, WhatsApp, SMS, and even through physical letters, urging recipients to act immediately—usually involving threats of legal action, penalties, or demands for payment. The goal? To create panic and trick taxpayers into revealing sensitive details or making fake payments.

Let’s explore this issue in depth and understand how to identify, verify, and report such fake notices effectively.

What Are Fake GST Violation Notices?

These are fraudulent documents created to mimic legitimate GST communications. They often:

• Appear to be issued by CBIC, DGGI, or local GST officers

• Use fake Document Identification Numbers (DINs)

• Include payment links (which are never part of official communication)

• Have urgent and threatening language urging quick action

• May arrive via unauthorized channels like WhatsApp, personal emails, or SMS

The danger lies in how authentic they appear, often carrying official seals, formats, and logos—making it hard for many to differentiate.

How Does CBIC Actually Send Real GST Notices?

CBIC has clearly stated:

✅ No notices or summons are ever sent via WhatsApp or SMS
✅ Only official emails from domains like @gov.in or @nic.in are used
✅ All official documents must carry a Document Identification Number (DIN)
✅ CBIC never sends payment links through emails or messages

So if you're receiving a GST-related message on WhatsApp with a payment link—it’s a scam.

How to Verify a GST Notice: Step-by-Step

Here’s how you can check whether the notice is real:

1. Check for DIN

   • Look for a unique Document Identification Number in the format:
     CBIC-YYYY MM ZCDR NNNN

   • Visit the CBIC DIN Verification Portal

   • Use the ‘Verify CBIC-DIN’ section (under Online Services or DIN Search)

   • Enter the DIN and see if it matches the CBIC records

2. Verify Email Sender

   • Genuine emails are sent only from official domains ending in @gov.in or @nic.in

   • Avoid opening or clicking on links in suspicious emails

3. Check on GST Portal

   • Visit www.gst.gov.in

   • Log in to your GST account

   • Navigate to: Services > User Services > View Notices and Orders

   • If there’s no notice listed, the one you received may be fake

4. Contact Official Sources

   • Never use contact details provided in the suspicious notice

   • Use official numbers/emails from CBIC or DGGI official site

🚨 What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious GST Notice?

If you think you’ve received a fraudulent GST document, follow these steps:

• ❌ Do Not Respond or Share Personal Info

• ❌ Do Not Make Any Payments via links or QR codes

• ✅ Take Screenshots or Keep a Copy of emails/messages for proof

• ✅ Report the Scam to your local GST office or Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI)

• ✅ File a cybercrime complaint at cybercrime.gov.in

You can also email the CBIC at cbecmitra.helpdesk@icegate.gov.in with all the evidence.

FAQs on Fake GST Notices

Q1. How do I know if a DIN is fake?

Use the CBIC DIN verification tool. If it shows "no record found," the DIN is fake.

Q2. Can CBIC contact me through WhatsApp?

No. CBIC has clearly stated that WhatsApp and SMS are never used for official GST communication.

Q3. What if I already paid money based on a fake notice?

Immediately file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and inform your bank to freeze the transaction if possible. Report to DGGI for further help.

Q4. Do real GST notices ever ask for immediate payment?

Never through a link or personal contact. All payments are made only through the GST portal.

Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Informed

The rise in fake GST notices is a worrying trend that preys on fear and urgency. But awareness is your best defense. By knowing how to identify and verify these fake communications, you can protect yourself and your business from financial and legal trouble.

Always remember:

If in doubt, don’t click. Verify through official channels.

Stay updated with government alerts, educate your team, and help others avoid falling into these traps. Fraudsters are smart, but a well-informed taxpayer is smarter.