Fraudulent tax collectors arrested; IRD calls for public assistance

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) says that several suspects, who had collected money from taxpayers by impersonating Inland Revenue officers, have been arrested.

Furthermore, the department mentions that the information of taxpayers, who have paid money to these fraudulent persons or whose locations were visited by them or in connection with such activities, is required for legal proceedings.

Thus, the Inland Revenue Department has urged the aforesaid taxpayers to immediately file a complaint to the nearest police station regarding such instances.

The Inland Revenue Department warned the taxpayers on several occasions over the past month that there was a surge in fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating tax officials.

The department emphasized that legitimate Inland Revenue Officers will only visit to advise taxpayers to make payments directly into designated bank accounts at the Bank of Ceylon or People’s Bank under the name of the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue and that they will never collect cash or cheques in person.

Taxpayers are advised not to make any payments to individuals claiming to collect taxes on behalf of the Inland Revenue Department. If there are any concerns regarding tax payments or other related issues, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the nearest regional or head office of the Inland Revenue Department for assistance, it added.