SARS warns taxpayers about scam involving fake commissioner

South African taxpayers have been warned about a new scam in which criminals impersonate the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner to trick people into believing they owe outstanding tax debt.

SARS issued the warning on Wednesday 11 November after discovering that a WhatsApp user posing as the commissioner was making fraudulent calls to taxpayers about alleged outstanding payments.

"The SARS commissioner does not phone individual taxpayers about payments. Any such call is a scam," the revenue service said in a statement.

SARS cautioned taxpayers that it would never request passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs or eFiling login details through telephone calls, emails, SMSes or social media platforms.

The latest scam has raised concerns about how criminals exploit the names and positions of senior officials to make fraudulent communications appear genuine and pressure taxpayers into making payments or disclosing confidential information.

How does the scam work?

In the latest incident, a person allegedly impersonating the SARS Commissioner contacts taxpayers about outstanding tax debt.

By using the commissioner's name and position, scammers may create the impression that the communication is official, particularly when threatening or urgent language is used.

However, SARS has stressed that the commissioner does not personally phone individual taxpayers to demand payments.

Taxpayers should therefore be suspicious of anyone claiming to represent the commissioner and demanding payment or confidential information.

How can taxpayers identify a SARS scam?

SARS has previously warned about fraudulent communications circulated through emails, SMSes, WhatsApp messages and telephone calls.

These include fake payment notifications, letters of demand, tax settlement offers and refund notifications.

Some messages contain links to fraudulent websites designed to look like official SARS platforms, where unsuspecting taxpayers may be asked to enter their personal information, banking details or eFiling credentials.

Taxpayers should be particularly cautious of unsolicited communications requesting sensitive information or demanding immediate payment.

What if you genuinely owe SARS money?

Taxpayers who receive a call or message claiming they have outstanding tax debt should not automatically assume the communication is legitimate.

Instead, they should independently verify their tax status through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.

According to SARS, legitimate outstanding debt should reflect on the taxpayer's SARS profile.

This allows taxpayers to establish whether they owe money without sharing sensitive information with an unknown caller.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious call?

SARS has urged taxpayers not to disclose personal information, banking details, passwords or OTPs to suspicious callers.

They should also avoid clicking on links or making payments based solely on instructions received through unsolicited calls or messages.

Anyone who receives suspicious communication should verify it through official SARS channels before taking any action.

SARS has encouraged members of the public to report suspicious calls and emails by emailing phishing@sars.gov.za or contacting the SARS Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.

Taxpayers can also visit the SARS website's Scams and Phishing section for examples of fraudulent communications and advice on how to protect themselves.