Islamabad, December 17, 2023 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has issued a stern warning to taxpayers across Pakistan, urging them to be on high alert for scams and fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting individuals.
FTO Coordinator Meher Kashif Younis, addressing the business community during an awareness session, highlighted the escalating prevalence of deceptive practices and called for increased vigilance to combat the growing threat.
In an effort to address this urgent issue, FTO Coordinator Meher Kashif Younis, acting on the directives of FTO Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Sitara-I-Imtiaz, and Hilal-I-Imtiaz, emphasized the duty to bring attention to the alarming rise in scams targeting taxpayers. He pointed out various tactics employed by fraudsters, including fake emails, fabricated notices, sham websites, and the creation of non-existent charities, all designed to exploit unsuspecting taxpayers. These deceptive practices often mimic official communication channels, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the tax system.
Younis noted that taxpayers are increasingly receiving calls or messages promising substantial tax refunds in exchange for a fee, with scammers impersonating tax authorities. Citing statistics from 2022, he revealed that Pakistan’s computer emergency response team reported a staggering 300 percent increase in tax-related phishing incidents. The scammers, he warned, often pose as charities that do not exist, and taxpayers must remain cautious to avoid falling victim to these malicious tactics.
The FTO Coordinator also highlighted instances where fraudsters steal taxpayers’ personal information to file fake tax returns, claiming refunds and leaving victims with unexpected tax liabilities. According to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), over 1500 cases of identity theft were reported in 2021 alone. Younis stressed the need for a collaborative effort between vigilant taxpayers and the FTO to make significant progress in protecting individuals from falling prey to fraudulent tactics.
By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, taxpayers can ensure their financial security and contribute to maintaining the integrity of the tax system, Younis emphasized. He called for the immediate implementation of a comprehensive public advisory campaign to underscore the imperative for taxpayers to exercise heightened caution and diligence when encountering any communication purportedly from tax authorities.
Highlighting the importance of independently verifying the legitimacy of such communications, cross-referencing official contact details, and refraining from divulging sensitive personal or financial information without robust verification measures, Younis concluded by urging all stakeholders to play their part in the fight against tax scams, ultimately safeguarding the financial well-being of the citizens and the credibility of the tax system.
