SARS warns of AI-powered tax refund scam
SARS has urged taxpayers to remain vigilant after fraudsters began using artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing scam emails and SMSes claiming recipients are due tax refunds.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned taxpayers to be on the lookout for a new scam in which fraudsters use artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing emails and SMSes claiming recipients are due tax refunds.
According to the South African Government News Agency, the messages direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal sensitive personal and banking information.
SARS has urged anyone who receives these messages to delete and block them immediately.
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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 view the latest scam examples,” SARS said.
The revenue service said fraudsters are sending spoofed emails that appear to originate from SARS in an attempt to trick taxpayers into sharing confidential information.
Some emails appear to come from addresses such as _returns@sars.co.za or _refunds@sars.co.za, falsely claiming taxpayers qualify for a refund.
The emails contain links to fake forms and fraudulent websites that closely resemble official SARS platforms.
SARS stressed that it will never ask taxpayers for passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs or eFiling login credentials via email, SMS, social media or telephone.
The revenue service also reminded taxpayers to use only official SARS communication channels and to ensure any tax practitioner they use is registered with both SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body before sharing personal information.
