The South African Revenue Service (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.

Businesses and other organisations must also beware of third parties such as unknown payroll companies that offer to assist them with their PAYE submissions.

SARS confirmed they are being inundated with desperate calls from honest taxpayers who have fallen victim to these criminals and scammers who pocket the refunds for themselves and their accomplices as they often operate as syndicates.

In a statement issued earlier this week, SARS said in some cases, these fraudulent submissions are the cause of delays that are experienced by law-abiding taxpayers when SARS has no other option but to verify the information that was submitted by scammers to SARS.

SARS further warned that taxpayers who willingly participate in such fraudulent activity in expectation of an illegal refund will be prosecuted along with the scammers.

SARS urged honest citizens who suspect such criminal activity to provide them with information. Contact SARS anonymously using the number 0800 00 2870 or by anonymously completing an online form available on the SARS website www.sars.gov.za.

For more information, please contact SARSMedia@sars.gov.za.