News Desk

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a nationwide warning urging taxpayers to remain alert against fraudsters impersonating tax officials and attempting to extort money by falsely claiming that taxpayers’ files have been selected for audit.

In a press release issued on Saturday, July 5, the revenue authority said it has recently identified a growing trend in which criminals are contacting taxpayers from various personal mobile phone numbers. The callers falsely inform individuals that their tax files have been selected for audit and then demand money in exchange for exempting them from the audit process. In some cases, the fraudsters reportedly threaten taxpayers with legal complications if they refuse to make the requested payments.

The NBR clarified that such claims are entirely fraudulent and emphasized that its officials do not communicate with taxpayers regarding tax audits through personal mobile phone numbers or any unauthorized means. According to the revenue authority, if a taxpayer’s file is selected for audit, the individual is formally notified through an official written notice issued in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.

The tax authority also reminded taxpayers that all tax payments, including outstanding tax liabilities and government fees, must be deposited only into the state treasury through officially authorized government treasury challans. It stressed that no NBR official or employee is authorized to collect payments personally or request transfers through mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket or Nagad, or into any personal bank account.

Calling for greater public awareness, the NBR advised taxpayers not to panic if they receive suspicious phone calls, text messages or emails claiming that their tax files are under audit. Instead, they should immediately contact the office of the Deputy Tax Commissioner of their respective tax zone to verify the authenticity of any such communication.

The revenue authority further urged taxpayers to report any attempt at extortion to the nearest law enforcement agency without delay. It also requested victims or potential targets to preserve the phone numbers and other relevant information used by the fraudsters, which could help investigators identify those responsible and facilitate legal action against them.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparent, efficient and harassment-free taxpayer services, the NBR said it remains determined to protect taxpayers from fraudulent activities and ensure that all official tax-related communications follow established legal procedures.

The latest warning comes as authorities continue efforts to curb financial fraud and strengthen public confidence in the country’s tax administration. The NBR urged all taxpayers to exercise caution and refrain from making any financial transactions with individuals claiming to represent the tax authority unless the communication has been officially verified.