The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, KADIRS, has warned residents to beware of fraudulent tax collectors.
The Executive Chairman, KADIRS, Mr Jery Adams, gave the warning at a news conference on Friday in Kaduna.
Adams explained that the attention of the KADIRS was drawn to the activities of some individuals and groups, operating in various strategic locations across the state.
According to him, the groups and individuals were claiming 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 members of the public and engage in criminal activities.
Adams further stated that the individuals or groups were not affiliated to KADIRS, noting that the government had not authourised any person or group aside its official channels to act on its behalf.
The KADIRS boss said that the service was fully committed to ending the menace, as it had already begun apprehending some of those involved.
He called on the public to report any suspicious activities or persons claiming to represent the service, without proper identification and authourisation.
Adams said that the service also noticed that fake number plates and tax clearance certificates were being floated across the state, in connivance with some staff of the service.
“This criminal activity not only defrauds the state but also undermines the trust placed in our institution by the good people of Kaduna state.
“We strongly advise all residents to be vigilant and refrain from engaging with these impostors.
“We are taking stringent measures to identify and deal with any staff and their cohorts involved in these illegal activities,” Adams said.
