The Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) has cautioned residents and business owners against paying taxes, levies, or government charges into private bank accounts, warning that such payments could result in financial losses and fraud.

The agency issued the warning amid reports that some individuals have been posing as government revenue agents and directing taxpayers to make payments into personal accounts rather than approved government channels.

According to the revenue board, all tax payments must be made through designated government platforms, official bank accounts, or authorized payment channels recognized by the state government. It stressed that any payment made outside these approved systems may not be recognized as valid.

Officials urged taxpayers to always verify the identity of revenue collectors and request official receipts for every transaction. They also advised members of the public to report suspicious individuals or unauthorized collection activities to the appropriate authorities.

The board emphasized that the warning forms part of broader efforts to improve transparency, protect taxpayers, and strengthen confidence in the state's revenue collection process.

Business owners, traders, and residents were reminded to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes that exploit taxpayers under the guise of government revenue collection.

The Taraba Revenue Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a secure and accountable tax administration system, while assuring residents that measures are being taken to identify and prosecute anyone involved in illegal revenue collection activities.