Fake Tax Officials On The Prowl In Nigeria, Finance Minister Raises Alarm

Kemi Adeosun, Nigerian Minister of Finance, has warned that phone calls purportedly from tax officials should be verified as they may be faked.

Mrs. Adeosun advised tax payers to demand for written notice when they receive phone calls from tax officials.

She was responding to the activities of some fake tax officials alleging to be officials of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS).

In a statement on Sunday, the Minister said, “My attention has been drawn to reports of some unidentified tax officials requesting for bank details and address of tax payers.

“If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Tax Office, do not panic. Ask them to send you a written notice. Do not provide any details like your address or bank details,” she urged.

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Mrs. Adeosun has been pursuing a rigorous tax policy, and warned last week that tax evaders would be named, shamed and prosecuted from March 31, the deadline for them to voluntarily come forward and pay. But with the warning and the fight against tax evasion, fraudsters seem to have found a new avenue to make quick money.

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