How to spot a fake SARS debt call: What taxpayers need to know - IOL
Beware of scammers Taxpayers are urged to be cautious about a new scam involving fraudulent calls about outstanding debt, with criminals impersonating the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner.
South African taxpayers are urged to be cautious about a new scam involving fraudulent calls about outstanding debt, with criminals impersonating the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner.
According to SARS, a WhatsApp user impersonating the SARS Commissioner is making fraudulent calls to taxpayers about outstanding debt.
"The SARS Commissioner does not phone individual taxpayers about payments. Any such call is a scam," SARS said in a statement released on Wednesday.
SARS added that it will never ask for passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs or eFiling login details by phone, email, SMS or social media.
But how can taxpayers tell whether a communication is legitimate, and what should they do if someone contacts them claiming they owe money to SARS?
The latest warning involves someone pretending to be the SARS Commissioner and contacting taxpayers about outstanding tax debt.
The use of an official's name and position can make a communication appear legitimate and urgent, especially when recipients are contacted about something as serious as unpaid taxes.
However, SARS has made it clear that the Commissioner does not phone individual taxpayers to request payments.
Taxpayers should therefore be wary of anyone using the Commissioner's identity to discuss outstanding payments or request confidential information.
Fraudulent calls are being made to taxpayers regarding outstanding debt.
SARS has repeatedly warned taxpayers about fraudulent communications sent through different channels, including email, SMS, WhatsApp and telephone calls.
These scams can involve false payment notifications, letters of demand, tax settlement messages and refund notifications.
Some fraudulent messages also contain links directing recipients to websites designed to resemble official SARS platforms.
Taxpayers should be particularly cautious when a communication asks them to disclose personal information, banking details or eFiling login credentials.
It is worth noting that receiving a message or call about outstanding tax debt does not mean the communication is genuine.
Taxpayers who are concerned about whether they have an outstanding balance should verify the information independently rather than relying on the person who contacted them.
SARS advises taxpayers to check their tax debt directly through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
According to the revenue service, any legitimate debt should reflect on the taxpayer's SARS profile.
This allows taxpayers to establish whether they have an outstanding balance without having to provide sensitive information to an unknown caller.
Taxpayers should avoid responding to suspicious requests for personal or banking information.
They should also avoid clicking on links or making payments based solely on instructions received through an unsolicited communication.
Instead, verify the information through official SARS channels before taking any action.
SARS also encourages members of the public to report suspicious calls and emails.
These can be reported by emailing [email protected] or calling the SARS Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.
Taxpayers can also consult the SARS website's Scams and Phishing section for examples of fraudulent communications and further guidance on protecting themselves.
