The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has moved swiftly to warn taxpayers of the latest scam doing the rounds ahead of Christmas. The festive season is a profitable time for these criminals, who are able to prey on the financial desperation of their victims – so what is it you need to look out for?
What is the SARS refund scam?
Imposters are posing as ‘tax experts’ to act as a third party and secure a refund on your behalf. However, the crooks behind this scam will simply pocket the refund for themselves – using your details – and then become ‘uncontactable’. SARS say they’ve been flooded with calls from people who have been targeted in this fashion.
“The South African Revenue Service would like to warn taxpayers to be wary of persons posing as tax practitioners or tax experts who promise them that they could secure a refund from SARS. Businesses and other organisations must also beware of third parties such as unknown payroll companies who offer to assist them with their PAYE submissions.”
“We are being inundated with desperate calls from honest taxpayers who fall victim to these criminals and scammers who pocket the refunds for themselves and their accomplices as they often operate as syndicates.”
“In some cases, these fraudulent submissions are the cause of delays that are experienced by law-abiding taxpayers when we have no other option but to verify the information that was submitted by scammers to SARS. Taxpayers who willingly participate in such fraudulent activity in expectation of an illegal refund will be prosecuted along with the scammers.”
Statement from the SA Revenue Service
How taxpayers can avoid being duped
There are some incredibly prevalent dangers associated with allowing a third party to sort your tax affairs. If there’s someone you know and trust that has been helping you, SARS sees no harm in continuing your arrangement. However, should an outsider or somebody new on the scene ask to sort your refund, you’re better off rejecting their advances.
SARS urges honest citizens who suspect such criminal activity to provide information of the refund scam to the relevant authorities. They can contact SARS anonymously using the number 0800 00 2870 or by anonymously completing an online form available on their website, which is www.sars.gov.za
Media Release: Taxpayers must not be duped by criminals
SARS would like to warn taxpayers to be wary of persons posing as tax practitioners or tax experts who promise them that they could secure a refund from SARS.https://t.co/0kWCKGERKX
— SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) December 7, 2020
"avoid it" - Google News
December 08, 2020 at 02:36PM
https://ift.tt/36UyJc8
SARS warn taxpayers about 'refund scam' - here's how to avoid it - The South African
"avoid it" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3844a1y
https://ift.tt/2SzWv5y
No comments:
Post a Comment