To spot a fake GST number, search the GSTIN on the GST portal and compare the result with the invoice. Treat it as a red flag if the portal does not find the number, if the legal or trade name is different, if the status is Cancelled or Suspended, or if the state code in the first two digits does not fit the supplier's address. If any of these fail, do not pay the GST amount until the supplier gives you a correct invoice.
Why it matters
Some sellers print a made-up GSTIN, or another business's GSTIN, on their bills and collect GST that never reaches the government. The buyer pays the tax and may then be denied input tax credit. A seller giving credit faces the mirror problem: a buyer who gives a false GSTIN is hiding who it really is.
Five checks
- Search the GSTIN on the GST portal. Use Search Taxpayer on gst.gov.in. If the portal does not find the number, it is not a valid registration. See how to verify a GST number.
- Match the names. The legal name or trade name on the portal should match the name on the invoice. A valid GSTIN that belongs to a different business is a common trick.
- Check the status. A registration that is Cancelled cannot charge GST on supplies made after the cancellation date. Suspended means cancellation proceedings are under way.
- Compare the state code with the address. The first two digits are the state code. An invoice from a Delhi address should carry a GSTIN starting with 07, not 27. See the state code table.
- Look at the format and the check character. A GSTIN has exactly 15 characters, with the PAN in positions 3 to 12 and a check character at the end. Billing software and lookup tools reject numbers where the check character does not fit.
More signs on the invoice itself
- The taxpayer type on the portal is Composition, but the invoice charges GST. A composition taxpayer is not allowed to collect GST from customers.
- The PAN on the supplier's other documents does not match characters 3 to 12 of the GSTIN.
- The invoice has no serial number, no HSN or SAC code, or no split of CGST, SGST or IGST.
- CGST and SGST are charged on a sale between two states, or IGST on a sale within one state.
- Suppliers above the e-invoicing turnover limit must issue invoices with an IRN and a QR code. If a large supplier's invoice has neither, ask why.
- The bank account for payment is in a name different from the legal name or trade name.
What to do if something does not match
- Ask the supplier, in writing, for the correct GSTIN and a corrected invoice. Honest mistakes are usually fixed quickly.
- Hold back the GST amount until you have an invoice that passes the checks.
- Do not claim input tax credit on an invoice you believe is not genuine.
- Keep copies of the invoice and a screenshot of the portal result with the date.
- If you believe GST is being collected on a false number, you can report it to the GST authorities. The GST portal lists the helpdesk and grievance channels.
- If you are the seller and a buyer has given you a GSTIN that fails these checks, do not give credit. Ask for advance payment or decline the order.
A quicker first check
The free GST lookup on FundRaksha Trust shows GST status, registration date, business type and state for GSTINs that have been checked on FundRaksha before, and rejects numbers that are not in GSTIN format. The details come from public GST records as last fetched, so confirm the current status on the GST portal before a large order.
A genuine GSTIN is only the first step. See how to check a buyer before giving credit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a GST number is fake?
Search it on the GST portal. If the portal does not find it, or the name, status or state does not match the invoice, treat it as suspect until the supplier explains and corrects it.
The GSTIN is valid but the name is different. What does that mean?
The seller may be using another business's GSTIN. Ask for an invoice in the registered name, or for the seller's own GSTIN. For a proprietorship, remember that the legal name is the owner's name and the shop name appears as the trade name.
Can a business with a cancelled GST registration charge GST?
No. After the date of cancellation it cannot collect GST or issue a valid tax invoice.
Can a shop without GST registration charge GST?
No. Only a registered person can collect GST. An unregistered seller's bill should not show a GST amount.
Does a correct check character prove the GSTIN is real?
No. It only shows the number is well formed. The registration must still be confirmed on the GST portal.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. GST data shown by any tool comes from public records and should be confirmed on the GST portal before you act on it.