Beware of fake SARS emails and SMSs

Scammers are trying to steal taxpayers’ money and personal information by pretending to be SARS.

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Scammers use various tactics to falsely claim you are owed a tax refund, demand outstanding payments, send fraudulent notices and urgent letters of demand and provide fake links and malicious attachments.

It might seem real because they use the SARS logo and style, but it's a scam.

What scammers do:

  • They ask for your personal, tax, banking or eFiling details (login details, passwords, PINs, credit/debit card info)
  • They include attachments and links to fake websites and banking platforms
  • They ask you to pay an outstanding amount into a bank account before you can file your 2024 return

How to protect yourself:

  • Don't click on suspicious links or open attachments claiming to be from SARS
  • Contact SARS directly on their official website or contact number to verify any information
  • Ignore or delete suspicious messages
  • Be careful and protect your personal information

What SARS wants you to know:

  • If SARS calls you, they will ask for some of your personal information to confirm your identity and protect your privacy and security
  • SARS will never ask for your banking details by phone, email, SMS or post
  • If SARS issues a notice, you will receive an SMS asking you to log into eFiling or the SARS MobiApp