NBR Warns of Tax Audit Scam

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has warned taxpayers about a fraud ring attempting to extort money by falsely claiming that their tax files have been selected for audit.

According to Md. Al Amin Sheikh, Public Relations Officer of the NBR, fraudsters have recently been contacting taxpayers from various mobile phone numbers, claiming that their tax records are under audit. They allegedly demand money by promising exemption from the audit process or by threatening taxpayers with legal complications.

In response, the NBR has urged taxpayers to remain particularly vigilant.

In a press release issued on Sunday (July 5), the revenue authority stated that no NBR official or employee contacts taxpayers regarding tax audits through personal mobile numbers or any unauthorized communication channels.

The NBR emphasized that if a taxpayer is selected for audit, notification is issued only through an official written notice in accordance with the law.

It also clarified that any outstanding taxes or fees must be paid exclusively to the state treasury through official government payment challans.

The authority further stated that no official or individual is authorized to collect payments directly from taxpayers or through personal bank accounts or mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, Nagad, or any other similar platform.

The NBR advised taxpayers who receive suspicious phone calls, text messages (SMS), or emails not to be misled and instead to immediately contact the office of the relevant Deputy Tax Commissioner to verify the authenticity of the information.

The revenue authority also requested that anyone receiving demands for money from individuals claiming to be NBR officials should immediately inform the nearest law enforcement agency and preserve the mobile phone number used by the fraudster.

//DBTech/DHE/MI/OR//