SARS issues warning about new scam targeting South Africans

SARS has warned of a new tax scam that is currently doing the rounds. Here's everything you need to know...

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May 23, 2026 - 18:30
SARS issues warning about new scam targeting South Africans

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned of a new scam that is currently doing the rounds.

Most recently, SARS lifted the lid on this scam – an elaborate scheme that sees criminals playing on South African taxpayers’ fears in order to con them out of their money.

BEWARE OF ‘TAX SETTLEMENT NOTIFICATION’ SCAM

According to SARS, the scam sees the perpetrator sending a fake “tax settlement notification” document to their intended victim. It’s typically forwarded via email or SMS:

SARS
An example of what the ‘Tax settlement notification’ scam looks like. Image: SARS

As you can see, the document looks authentic on its face, from its letterhead to the formal language used.

Its general tone is meant to cause panic in the victim, prompting them to pay the amount to the proffered bank account. If not, they are threatened with consequences in the form of fines or imprisonment.

SARS URGES CAUTION

SARS advises taxpayers not to adhere to the instructions outlined in the document.

“Beware of fake emails or SMS claiming you owe SARS money, often titled ‘Settlement Notification’ or ‘Final Demand’, which urge payment via links or to fraudulent bank accounts,” the revenue service says.

“SARS never sends links other than SARS links in SMS/emails for payments, never asks for banking details directly and does not accept direct deposits into personal accounts.”

PROTECT YOURSELF

SARS has outlined the following tips to keep in mind if you receive such messages with attachments:

  • Avoid clicking links in emails or attachments (especially .htm or .html files).
  • Always check your tax status directly on the official SARS eFiling website.
  • Use the pre-registered bank beneficiary on your bank app for payments.
  • Forward suspicious emails to phishing@sars.gov.za.

If you do encounter or fall victim to this scam, report the incident to your nearest police station.

For other scams that have seen fraudsters impersonating SARS in the past or if you would like to keep updated with the latest schemes, be sure to check these out here.

Have you ever been scammed online or in any other way? Sound off in the comments below.

In similar news, the City of Cape Town recently raised alarms about an electricity scam being carried out in the Mother City.

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