Beware: SARS issues warning about fraudulent high court email scam targeting taxpayers
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a warning to taxpayers about a fraudulent email
Image: Ziphozonke Lushaba / Independent Newspapers
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a warning to taxpayers about a fraudulent email claiming that recipients owe money and are facing legal action in the High Court.
According to the revenue service, the scam email is made to look official and carries the heading: “IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA, GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA”. It includes a supposed case number and alleges that the recipient has failed to pay outstanding tax for one or more tax years.
The message further claims that despite “prior correspondence and lawful demands”, no payment arrangement has been made. Recipients are then prompted to click on a link labelled “VIEW LEGAL DOCUMENT & CASE DETAILS HERE”.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the revenue service said the email was a scam and warned taxpayers not to click on the link or share any personal or financial information.
"A fraudulent email is making the rounds, claiming taxpayers owe SARS money and are facing a High Court case. Do NOT click the link. Do NOT share personal or financial information," the revenue service said.
SARS added that taxpayers should delete the email immediately and verify their tax status through official SARS channels, including the eFiling platform or the organisation’s official website.
"Delete the email immediately. Verify your tax status through official SARS channels only."
Last year, IOL also reported that SARS had issued a warning to taxpayers about a new scam designed to steal personal information under the guise of a tax refund audit.
"The latest scam is an SMS indicating that SARS is conducting an audit on a tax refund. The link leads you to a phishing website, aimed at stealing your information. See the scam prototype here".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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