’Tis the season for giving, but don’t let the bad ones fool you. Manila Bulletin reported on Sunday that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding business owners to be extra cautious of individuals claiming to be tax officials who may ask for financial favors in exchange for tax audit and assessment leniencies.
The warning comes after the BIR received reports of scammers making personal solicitations in shopping malls, as well as through Christmas greeting cards and telephone or mobile phone calls or messages.
Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Operations Group (OSG) Nelson M. Aspe advises businessmen to report such activities to the BIR or other law enforcement agencies. BIR insiders note that although the solicitation racket is an old gimmick, these illegal operations instensify come Christmas time.
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