Lahore: Dr. Waqar Chaudhry, Adviser to the Minister of State and Federal Tax Ombudsman, issued a stern warning to taxpayers on Sunday, urging them to remain vigilant against various forms of scams including fake websites, non-existent charities, fictitious emails, and fraudulent tax notices. This caution came during an awareness session directed by FTO Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah.
Dr. Waqar emphasized the pressing need to tackle the rising prevalence of scams targeting taxpayers nationwide. He highlighted a concerning increase in deceptive practices such as fake emails, fabricated notices, bogus websites, and the creation of fictitious charities aimed at exploiting unsuspecting taxpayers.
“These scams often replicate official communication channels, posing a significant threat,” Dr. Waqar stated. He warned that taxpayers are frequently contacted with false promises of substantial tax refunds in exchange for fees, impersonating legitimate tax authorities. He noted a significant rise in tax-related phishing incidents reported by Pakistan’s computer emergency response team in 2023, with scammers also masquerading as non-existent charities.
Dr. Waqar further explained how fraudsters steal personal information to file fraudulent tax returns, claiming refunds that leave victims liable for unpaid taxes. He cited over 1,500 cases of identity theft reported by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) last year alone, emphasizing that these tactics aim to create panic and coerce victims into making hasty payments.
He underscored that combatting tax scams remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, but through collaboration between vigilant taxpayers and the FTO, substantial progress can be achieved in safeguarding taxpayers from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Dr. Waqar stressed the importance of launching a comprehensive public advisory campaign through chambers of commerce. This initiative should underscore the critical need for taxpayers to exercise heightened caution, independently verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from tax authorities, cross-reference official contact details, and refrain from disclosing sensitive personal or financial information without robust verification measures.
In conclusion, he urged taxpayers to stay informed, vigilant, and proactive to ensure their financial security and uphold the integrity of the tax system.
