SARS warns public against new scam
Official source
Source domain: sanews.gov.za
Collected on 30 July 2026
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Tax practitioner registration check (SARS/RCB query page)
SARS provides a query page where taxpayers can check whether a tax practitioner is registered with SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB) before sharing personal information.
- Who it is for
- taxpayers who want to verify a tax practitioner
- How to act on it
- Use the tax practitioner query page at the provided URL to check registration status.
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Taxpayers can check whether a tax practitioner is registered with SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB) via https://secure.sarsefiling.co.za/TaxPractitionerQuery.aspx.
Contact SARS IT Security team about the latest scam examples (phishing@ email)
If you receive the scam, SARS advises you to delete and block it, and if you are in doubt you can email the SARS IT Security team for help and to see the latest scam examples.
- Who it is for
- taxpayers and members of the public who receive the scam
- How to act on it
- Email the SARS IT Security team at phishing@sars.gov.za (and/or visit the Scams and Phishing webpage).
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“If you receive it, please delete and block it. If in doubt, email the SARS IT Security team or visit the Scams and Phishing webpage to see the latest scam examples,” SARS advised taxpayers.
Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline (0800 00 2870)
SARS provides a hotline number that members of the public can contact regarding fraud and anti-corruption concerns related to scams.
- Who it is for
- members of the public
- How to act on it
- Call the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.
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Taxpayers can also contact the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.
Use the Scams and Phishing webpage to see the latest scam examples
SARS provides a webpage with the latest scam examples so taxpayers can verify what scams are currently circulating.
- Who it is for
- taxpayers and members of the public
- How to act on it
- Visit the Scams and Phishing webpage listed by SARS.
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The security team can be contacted at phishing@sars.gov.za, and the phishing webpage is at https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/scams-and-phishing/.
Facts
Reference
GOVNEWS-83205 at https://www.sanews.gov.za
Key Takeaways
- Organisation: South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- Scam type: SMS and email phishing claiming tax refund
- Use of AI: professional-looking email templates harder to identify
- Advice: delete and block if received
- SARS will never request passwords, OTPs, banking PINs, or eFiling login credentials via email/SMS/social media/telephone
- SARS will never request banking details in communications via post/email/SMS
- SARS will not send hyperlinks to other websites (including banks)
- Contact SARS IT Security: phishing@sars.gov.za
- Scams and Phishing webpage: https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/scams-and-phishing/
- Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 00 2870
- Examples of spoofed sender addresses: returns@sars.co.za and refunds@sars.co.za
- Tax practitioner registration check: https://secure.sarsefiling.co.za/TaxPractitionerQuery.aspx
- Additional warnings: do not open/respond to unknown emails; beware requests for personal/tax/banking/eFiling details; SARS does not send .htm/.html attachments; SARS will never ask for credit card details
- South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- SARS IT Security team
- Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline
- Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
- SAnews
- Roze Britz
- Janine Arcangeli
- Zanele Mngadi
Dates
Opening Date
30 July 2026