The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has warned taxpayers against a fraud ring demanding money by falsely claiming their tax files have been selected for audit.
The NBR said in a press release on Sunday that no NBR official or employee contacts taxpayers over personal mobile numbers or unauthorized channels regarding audit matters. If a file is selected for audit, the taxpayer is informed only through a formal written notice, it said.
The organization said it has recently observed a fraud ring contacting taxpayers from different mobile numbers, claiming their tax files are under audit. The fraudsters then demand money illegally, either promising exemption from the audit or threatening legal complications, it added.
The NBR issued four directives for taxpayers. First, it said no contact is made without a written notice, and no official communicates through personal numbers on audit matters.
Second, any due tax or fee must be paid only through official government treasury challans. No official or individual is authorized to collect money personally or through bKash, Rocket, Nagad or any personal bank account, it said.
Third, taxpayers receiving suspicious calls, texts or emails should immediately contact their respective deputy commissioner of taxes office to verify the information, rather than getting confused.
Fourth, if any fraudster poses as an NBR official and demands money, the matter should be reported to the nearest law enforcement agency immediately, and the fraudster's phone number should be preserved.
The NBR reaffirmed its commitment to providing harassment-free and transparent service to taxpayers. It urged the public to remain highly cautious and avoid any financial transaction with such fraudsters.
Separately, the total number of taxpayers selected for official audits in three phases has crossed one lakh. In the latest phase, 5,014 more taxpayers were selected on June 29.
