Before You Click: Three Simple Habits That Can Protect You This Tax Season

For many South Africans, tax season means gathering documents, checking deductions, and hoping for a refund. Unfortunately, it is also one of the busiest times of the year for scammers pretending to be the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Every year, criminals send convincing emails and SMSes claiming you are owed money, have an outstanding tax balance, or face urgent legal action. Their goal is simple: to get you to click a link, download a file, or hand over your banking or eFiling details.

The good news is that most of these scams can be avoided by following a few simple habits.

Why Tax Season Attracts Scammers

Scammers know that many people are expecting communication from SARS during filing season. They use official-looking logos, professional language, and a sense of urgency to pressure people into acting without thinking.

Messages often claim:

• You qualify for an immediate refund.
• You have an outstanding payment that must be made urgently.
• Your account has been suspended or locked.
• Legal action will be taken unless you act immediately.

Their greatest weapon is panic. The more rushed you feel, the more likely you are to make a mistake.

Three Habits That Can Keep You Safe

1. Never Click Links in Unexpected Messages

If you receive an email or SMS claiming to be from SARS, avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments, especially unfamiliar files.

Instead, open your browser and type the official eFiling website address yourself. This simple habit removes one of the biggest opportunities for scammers.

2. Verify Before You Believe

If a message says you owe money or are due a refund, do not rely on the message itself.

Log into your eFiling profile directly and check your account. Your official profile is the best place to confirm whether the communication is genuine.

If you are unsure, contact SARS through its official channels rather than using phone numbers or email addresses contained in the suspicious message.

3. Be Careful How You Make Payments

Never transfer money to a bank account provided in an unexpected email or SMS.

When making legitimate tax payments, use verified payment methods and the official banking channels linked to your SARS profile or your bank's approved SARS beneficiary options.

Watch Out for These Warning Signs

Be cautious if a message:

• Creates extreme urgency or threatens immediate consequences.
• Promises a refund if you click a link.
• Asks for passwords, banking details, or eFiling credentials.
• Contains spelling mistakes, unusual email addresses, or unexpected attachments.
• Offers a deal or shortcut that seems too good to be true.
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If You Receive a Suspicious Message

Do not click the link.

Do not download the attachment.

Do not reply.

Instead, delete the message or report suspected phishing to SARS through its official reporting channels. Reporting these scams helps authorities identify fraudulent campaigns and protect other taxpayers.

Why This Matters

Most tax scams do not succeed because the technology is clever, they succeed because people are busy, worried, or caught off guard.

The safest response is often the simplest: pause, verify independently, and never let urgency make the decision for you.

A few extra seconds of caution today could save you thousands of rand and protect your personal information long after tax season has ended.