The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has alerted residents of fraudulent tax collectors and the need to be vigilant.

Jerry Adams, the executive chairman of KADIRS, at a news conference on Friday in Kaduna, said the attention of the service was drawn to the activities of some individuals and groups operating in various strategic locations across the state.

Mr Adams said the groups and individuals claimed to be empowered by KADIRS to collect taxes, levies and fines.

He described them as criminals who had formed a coordinated cartel to deceive unsuspecting public members and engage in criminal activities.

“We strongly advise all residents to be vigilant and refrain from engaging with these impostors,” he said.

The KADIRS boss said the service was fully committed to ending the menace, as it had already begun apprehending some of those involved.

He urged the public to report suspicious activities or persons claiming to represent the service without proper identification and authorisation.

Mr Adams said the service also noticed that fake number plates and tax clearance certificates were being floated across the state in connivance with some service staff.

“We are taking stringent measures to identify and deal with any staff and their cohorts involved in these illegal activities,” Mr Adams said.

He assured the public that any staff or other persons found to be aiding the criminals or participating in fraudulent practices would face the full weight of the law.

“All official payments are to be made only through approved KADIRS channels, such as designated banks or our official digital platforms,” he said.

He reassured all residents of the service’s dedication to maintaining the highest transparency, integrity and accountability standards in all its operations.

The KADIRS boss urged taxpayers to ensure that all tax clearance applications and payments were made through the proper channels. 

(NAN)