The Bengaluru Zone of the GST Department has issued an important advisory to the trade and industry after reports surfaced of individuals impersonating GST officials. The warning has been issued through Trade Notice No. 02/2026, urging businesses to remain cautious during inspections and search proceedings.
The advisory highlights that some unscrupulous persons have allegedly posed as Central GST officers and attempted to mislead businesses. Authorities have clarified that genuine GST officers follow strict procedures while conducting any inspection, search, or seizure.
The notice has been issued by the office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Central Tax, Bengaluru Zone under the framework of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
GST Officers Do Not Ask for Cash or Personal Payments
The department clearly stated that genuine GST officers never demand payments through unofficial channels . Businesses have been cautioned that:
- GST officers do not ask for cash payments .
- They do not request payments through personal bank accounts, UPI IDs, wallets, or other informal methods .
- They do not seek sensitive information through phone calls, WhatsApp, SMS, or personal email IDs.
All official communication is made only through the GST portal, official government email IDs ending with @gov.in or properly issued notices and summons.
Businesses can access official communication through the GST Common Portal.
Inspections Allowed Only Under Proper Authorization
The advisory also reminds taxpayers that inspections, searches, and seizures are governed by Section 67 of the CGST Act. Such actions can only be conducted by a "proper officer" authorized in writing by the competent authority.
During any inspection, the authorized officer must carry:
- A valid government photo identity card
- A written authorization letter
- Details such as the officer's name and designation
- Address of the premises to be inspected
- GSTIN of the registered taxpayer, where applicable
Businesses are advised to verify these documents before allowing entry to any officer.
Verify DIN to Confirm Authentic GST Notices
The department also emphasized the importance of verifying the Document Identification Number (DIN) for any official GST communication.
Every legitimate notice issued by the department carries a DIN which can be verified online. Businesses are advised to verify the DIN mentioned on inspection or search authorizations before cooperating with officers.
This verification system has been introduced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of authority.
Businesses Can Contact Authorities in Case of Doubt
If a taxpayer has doubts about the identity of officers conducting inspection or search operations, they should immediately contact their jurisdictional GST office or vigilance authorities.
The department has urged the trade community to remain vigilant and verify official credentials to prevent fraud or impersonation.
Conclusion
With increasing reports of GST officer impersonation, the latest advisory serves as an important reminder for businesses to stay alert. Verifying officer identity cards, written authorization, and the DIN number can help taxpayers protect themselves from fraud while ensuring compliance with GST regulations.
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