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SARS: Latest scam
- 27 May 2026
- Tax
- South African Accounting Academy
Summary:
SARS has warned the public to be on the alert for the latest scam where taxpayers are tricked into make outstanding income tax payments and divulging personal information.
Article:
Email with attachment in the form of a Tax Settlement Notification, demanding same-day payment from the taxpayer.
It threatens the taxpayer with legal action (which could include initiating legal proceedings and imposing additional penalties.
The bank account details provided does not belong to SARS!
Members of the public are randomly emailed with false “spoofed” emails made to look as if these emails were sent from SARS, but are in fact fraudulent emails aimed at enticing unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information such as bank account details, or to make actual payments to bank accounts belonging to the scammers.
Taxpayers are cautioned against actioning as advised in the communication received. Please do not click on any suspicious links and delete these messages. Make sure the email or SMS is genuine before you click on any link.
Protect yourself from scams and phishing!
- Do not open or respond to emails from unknown sources.
- Beware of emails or SMSs asking for personal, tax, banking or eFiling details.
- SARS will never send you hyperlinks to other websites.
SARS will never ask for your credit card details.
Watch SARS’ short tutorial video on how to spot scams.
All known scams are listed on the Scams and Phishing webpage and if in doubt, email the IT security team on phishing@sars.gov.za.
Refer to SARS YouTube videos on how to protect yourself from scammers:
Click here to download an example of the latest scam document:
Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:
- As an auditor, independent reviewer, accountant or tax practitioner, you need to be aware of the latest scams that appear to be from SARS.
- As a taxpayer, you also need to be aware of the latest scams that appear to be from SARS.
Relevance to Your clients:
- As taxpayer, your clients also need to be aware of the latest scams that appear to be from SARS.