The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service has warned imposters against issuance of fake receipts to taxpayers in the state, saying impersonation was a criminal offence.

The Executive Chairman, ESIRS, Emmanuel Nnamani, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Enugu.

Mr Nnamani said the printed notice for capital gains tax dated July 2, requesting tax payers to pay into personal accounts was not an official communication from the organisation.

The chairman disclosed that the plot was aimed at defrauding the state taxpayers by impersonating the service.

According to him, the statement became necessary to expose imposters claiming to be working for ESIRS by issuing fake notice and receipts with a falsified letterhead, receipt and others targeting the Nsukka axis.

He said, “The ESIRS condemned such malicious act and warned against any form of fraudulent scheme in Nsukka or any part of the state targeted at extorting money from the masses.’’

Mr Nnamani said the capital gain tax notice to Nsukka residents was not from the service, saying it was the handiwork of impostors.

He encouraged the public to report all imposters or any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

“Kindly discard any letterhead, receipt and individual directing you to pay to an individual account. Be cautious and send this message to families and friends. ESIRS announces a new fraud scheme in Nsukka targeted at extorting money from the masses and encourages the public to report imposters or any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” he advised.

He further stated that every payment of the state internally generated Revenue must be made into the state account in any commercial bank using PayDirect, Remita, eTranzact, Flutterwave or pay online at www.irs.en.gov.ng.

(NAN)