Delecia Venter, Senior Tax Manager at PKF Port Elizabeth

SARS refunds scams are increasingly common during filing seasons. Scammers have become more sophisticated with time, which makes it difficult to detect the scams as it closely mimics legitimate correspondence from SARS.

There has certainly been a rise in scammers targeting individuals expecting refunds. SARS is regularly updating their website with new scam alerts. It is now more than ever before necessary for taxpayers to stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling victim of these fraudulent schemes.

Here are some useful tips to help avoid falling victim of a SARS refund scam:

1. SARS will never request personal information or banking details through email, sms or telephone.
2. Always verify the authenticity of the SARS correspondence. SARS email correspondence will always end with the extension @sars.gov.za.
3. Avoid clicking on any links or attachments in any email or sms received in unsolicited emails or sms.
4. Spelling mistakes in correspondence is also a key indicator that the correspondence is not from a trusted source.
5. Here is a link to SARS’s website with all the recent scam alerts published: https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/scams-and-phishing/

It is always useful to consult with a registered tax practitioner or the SARS contact centre to verify the authenticity of any correspondence received.

To report a scam, an email can be sent to SARS at phishing@sars.gov.za or alternatively telephonically using the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.