How do scammers try to trick me during tax season?

They may send fake emails or SMSs claiming you owe tax or are due a refund from the tax authority, often with urgent threats or promises. These messages may include links to phishing websites or attachments that steal your personal or banking information. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Will the tax authority ever send refund or payment requests via SMS or email?

No — genuine authorities like SARS will never request tax payments or refunds via unsolicited SMS or email with a link. Always log into your official eFiling account directly instead of clicking links in messages. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

What should I do if I get a suspicious message about tax or refunds?

Do not click any links or open attachments. Delete the message or mark it as spam. Verify any claims only by logging directly into your official tax-filing account, not via links. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

How can I protect my bank and personal details during tax season?

Never share your banking PIN, card number, online banking passwords or OTPs. Avoid paying into unknown accounts or accepting requests to move funds via suspicious notices. Always verify that any request is legitimate before acting. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

What should I do if I already clicked a suspicious link or shared info?

Immediately change your banking passwords, monitor your account for unauthorised activity, and report the incident using Capitec’s fraud reporting channels — call 0860 10 20 43 or WhatsApp 067 418 9565. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Protect your money this tax season

Scammers pretend to be from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Stay alert and protect your personal information.

Beware of SARS impersonation scams

Scammers send fake emails and SMSs that look like they’re from SARS. They seem official, but they’re designed to trick you and steal your money or information.

How does the SARS scam work?

They may say you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid penalties, or that you're due a refund and need to click a link or open an attachment to claim it.

These messages often look official and include links that lead to fake websites. Then you’re asked to enter personal details or even make a payment that goes directly into the scammer’s account. In some cases, clicking the link installs malicious software that gives criminals access to your banking apps or other private information.

Stay safe

Don’t click on links in emails or SMSs claiming to be from SARS
Sign in to your official eFiling profile for any SARS updates
SARS will never send links in an email or SMS – don’t click on any links claiming to be from SARS
SARS will never ask for your PIN, password or card details
Only pay using the Capitec registered SARS beneficiary on your app. All major South African banks include SARS as a listed recipient
SARS does not send emails with .htm or .html attachments

Be cautious and know what to look out for. Always check any communication directly on SARS’ official site www.sarsefiling.co.za.