Warning: Tax Authority Impersonation Scams – Businesses and Individuals Urged to Stay Alert

Fraudsters Impersonate Tax Officials to Exploit Victims

Recently, the Tax Department has reported cases of individuals impersonating tax authorities via phone calls, emails, or messages to request businesses, organizations, and household businesses to update their information under the two-tier local government model. These scammers demand copies of citizenship ID cards, business registration certificates, and tax registration documents, even threatening penalties for late updates.

This is a sophisticated form of fraud that preys on the lack of information surrounding administrative changes, aiming to illegally collect personal data or extort money from taxpayers.

The Tax Authority Confirms: No Request for ID or Business Documents

The Tax Department has clearly stated: Tax authorities do not request individuals or businesses to voluntarily submit personal documents or business registration papers for updates under the new local government model.

All address updates based on the new administrative divisions have already been automatically processed in the tax registration database. Official notifications will be sent by the tax authority through:

• Electronic tax transaction accounts

• eTax Mobile app (to the legal representative)

• Registered email addresses

When to Update Business Registration Information

If enterprises or household businesses wish to update their registered business address according to the new administrative divisions, they must contact the Business Registration Authority for guidance under current regulations.

According to Official Dispatch No. 4370/BTC-DNTN from the Ministry of Finance, businesses are not required to update their business registration address in accordance with the new administrative boundaries of the two-tier local government model.

Invoice Addresses and Explanation to Authorities or Customers

The Tax Department emphasizes: If the address on an invoice reflects the new administrative area updated by the tax authority, but the business registration certificate still shows the old address, the taxpayer can:

• Use the tax authority’s official notice to explain to relevant agencies or customers

• Tax authorities are working closely with business registration offices to provide consistent guidance, minimizing inconvenience for businesses

Measures to Prevent Tax Authority Impersonation Scams

To proactively avoid risks, individuals and businesses should implement the following safety measures:

1. Verify the source of information

• Only trust notifications sent through official tax e-portals, eTax Mobile, or verified emails from the tax department

• Do not open attachments or click on links from suspicious emails or text messages

2. Do not share personal or business documents via phone or social apps

• Never send photos of your ID card, business license, or tax number via Zalo, Messenger, or unknown emails

• If unsure, call the official hotline or contact listed tax officials through the Tax Department’s official website

3. Verify suspicious calls

• When receiving calls claiming to be from tax authorities, ask for the official ID of the caller, full name, and call back via official hotline to confirm authenticity

4. Stay updated via official websites

• Regularly check the official websites of the General Department of Taxation and local tax departments for accurate information and updates

During the implementation of the new two-tier local government model, taxpayers must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to impersonation scams. Tax authorities have proactively issued official communications and recommend that taxpayers ignore any unofficial instructions from unverified sources. Close cooperation between citizens, businesses, and tax authorities is essential to protect information and uphold lawful rights.