As tax season approaches, it’s important to remain vigilant against email and SMS scams that aim to steal your personal information. Cybercriminals often send fraudulent emails posing as SARS, tricking unsuspecting taxpayers into providing sensitive data like banking details. These emails may appear to come from legitimate addresses, such as returns@sars.co.za or refunds@sars.co.za, but they are designed to deceive.

To protect yourself:

• Never respond to or open emails from unknown sources.
• Be cautious of emails asking for personal, tax, or banking information.
• Always navigate to the SARS eFiling website directly and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Verify the sender’s email address and be cautious of unsolicited phone calls pretending to be from SARS.
• Verify that the Tax Practitioner is registered using their Tax Practitioner Number (PR-0000000) – https://secure.sarsefiling.co.za/TaxPractitionerQuery.aspx
• Keep informed by visiting SARS ‘Scams and Phishing’ for latest scam examples – https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/scams-and-phishing/

If you come across a suspicious email or SMS, report it to phishing@sars.gov.za or contact the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.

Remember – SARS will not:

• send .htm or .html attachments
• ask for credit card details
• send any hyperlinks to other websites – even those of banks

Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay connected.

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