The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is warning businesses, government agencies and the public about the circulation of fraudulent Tax Clearance and Tax Compliance Certificates, along with fake letters falsely claiming legitimate certificates have been cancelled due to system errors.
FRCS said the documents are fraudulent, unauthorised and were not issued by the Service.
The agency warned that producing, distributing, possessing or using fake tax documents may constitute serious criminal offences under Fiji’s laws and could result in substantial fines, imprisonment or both.
FRCS is urging businesses, government ministries, statutory bodies, financial institutions, procurement entities and members of the public to independently verify the authenticity of any tax certificate before relying on it for official purposes.
The Service also clarified that it does not cancel or revoke Tax Clearance or Tax Compliance Certificates through informal emails, third-party correspondence or unverified letters. Any changes to a certificate’s status are reflected only through FRCS’s official systems and can be verified using its online certificate validation portal.
FRCS Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh said the circulation of fake certificates is a deliberate attempt to deceive businesses, government agencies and the public.
“The circulation of fake tax certificates and fraudulent cancellation notices is a deliberate attempt to deceive businesses, government agencies, and the public. FRCS will not tolerate any activity that compromises the integrity of our systems and processes.”
Mr Singh urged organisations and individuals not to accept tax certificates at face value and to verify them through official FRCS channels.
He advised organisations that identify suspicious documents to retain a copy, suspend the relevant transaction and immediately report the matter to FRCS together with details of the individual or entity that submitted the document.
Mr Singh also warned that FRCS will work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in producing, distributing or using fraudulent tax documents.
The Service is encouraging anyone who receives a suspicious tax certificate or cancellation notice to report it immediately.
