BIR Alert: Don't Fall for That Fake Tax Payment Notice — It's a Scam
The Bureau of Internal Revenue is sounding the alarm on a fake tax payment reminder currently making the rounds, warning Filipino taxpayers not to fall for what it has officially confirmed as a fraudulent document using the BIR's own template.
BIR Commissioner Charlie Mendoza issued the advisory through the bureau's official Facebook page on Tuesday, confirming that the circulating document is fake despite looking convincingly like a real BIR notice. The fraudulent reminder reportedly uses official BIR formatting and branding to trick taxpayers into making payments or divulging personal financial information.
"All official issuances and tax communications are released solely through the Bureau's authorized and official communication channels," Mendoza emphasized, urging everyone to verify any tax-related notice, demand letter, or payment reminder they receive before taking action.
The warning comes at a particularly vulnerable time — with the April 15 tax filing deadline approaching, scammers are banking on taxpayer anxiety to make their fake notices more convincing. This isn't the first time fraudulent BIR documents have circulated, but the timing makes this round especially dangerous.
If you receive a suspicious BIR communication, the bureau advises verifying it through their trunkline numbers: 8981-7000 and 8929-7676, or the Customer Assistance Division at 8538-3200. Bottom line: if it didn't come from an official BIR channel, don't click it, don't pay it, and definitely don't give out your personal info.
Source: GMA News Online
