South Africans warned about overseas job scams as human traffickers target youth

As tax season approaches, South Africans are reminded to remain vigilant. Since fraudsters' tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, understanding the signs of potential deception is critical for protecting personal and financial information.

Threats During Tax Period

During the filing of tax returns, millions of taxpayers are required to fulfill their fiscal obligations. However, amidst this rush lies a serious threat: fraudsters demonstrate an astonishing ability to exploit unsuspecting individuals. As the South African Revenue Service (SARS) refines its digital submission processes, including pre-assessment features, complex fraud schemes mimicking legitimate correspondence from tax authorities have become more frequent.

Mani van Schalkwyk, CEO of the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), warns that the urgency of tax season often leads to complacency, which fraudsters quickly exploit. He notes: 'Tax season constantly attracts fraudsters looking to take advantage of taxpayers. Fraudsters are constantly adapting their methods, so it is crucial for consumers to understand the latest tactics and remain vigilant throughout the filing process.'

Common Fraud Schemes

Fraudulent tactics are diverse, but the most common strategies include phishing emails and SMS messages. These fraudulent messages often impersonate SARS employees, pressuring unwary taxpayers into disclosing confidential data or making payments under false pretenses.

Phishing Attacks

The fraudulent messages allegedly come from SARS and contain links to fake websites designed to collect login credentials, bank details, and other personal information. Van Schalkwyk advises: 'Always carefully check the sender's address. Official SARS correspondence comes from the domain @sars.gov.za. If the address differs, treat it with suspicion and avoid clicking any links.'

Fake Refund Notifications

Fraudsters frequently send messages promising refunds, urging recipients to click links to confirm bank details or complete verification. The allure of unexpected payouts can cloud judgment, causing many to ignore warning signs.

Unpaid Obligation Notices

Fraudsters may warn taxpayers about outstanding debts, threatening fines or legal action. Such messages often include altered bank details or direct users to fraudulent payment portals. It is important to remember that SARS does not request payments to unknown accounts provided through unsolicited communication.

Impersonation Fraud

The rise in impersonation fraud is evident as criminals directly contact taxpayers via phone, email, or messaging apps, pretending to be SARS representatives. These fraudsters may claim issues with tax returns or refunds and demand confidential personal information.

eFiling Profile Hacking

A growing problem is the hijacking of legitimate SARS eFiling profiles by criminals. They alter personal information to change the bank details linked to accounts, redirecting legitimate refunds to accounts controlled by criminals. Victims often only discover this after noticing discrepancies in refund amounts.

Protecting Against Tax Fraud

SAFPS emphasizes that awareness serves as the first line of defense against tax-related fraud. Taxpayers are strongly urged: never share eFiling usernames or passwords; avoid disclosing banking information, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), or card details in response to unsolicited messages; conduct all tax payments exclusively through official SARS platforms or verified banking channels; refrain from clicking on links received via email, SMS, or messaging apps, and always contact SARS services directly through their official website; use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and avoid public Wi-Fi when handling sensitive financial information.

Van Schalkwyk also stresses the importance of remaining vigilant regarding messages that create a sense of urgency or coercion. He cautions: 'Fraudsters rely on scare tactics to prompt hasty decisions.'

Actions if Fraud is Suspected

If taxpayers suspect their tax profile or refund has been compromised, immediate action is necessary. They should contact their bank, notify SARS directly, and report the incident to the South African Police. Furthermore, incidents can be reported to SAFPS via Yima at www.yima.org.za, providing access to vital information on new fraud trends.

SAFPS also provides Protective Registration to mitigate the risks of personal data theft and assists victims through a dedicated database. These services are provided free of charge. Van Schalkwyk concludes: 'Fraudsters continue to develop their tactics, but consumers can significantly reduce their risk by staying informed, scrutinizing every message, and using secure reporting platforms.'

The government has cautioned the public against spreading unverified content regarding migration, stating that false information circulating online poses a threat to public trust, social cohesion, and informed public discourse.

Threats of disinformation

The Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) appealed to South African residents not to rely on or share unverified information about migration. According to the authorities, the spread of false and misleading content exacerbates social tension, undermines citizen trust, and hinders constructive discussion on issues.

Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation continue to fuel confusion, fear, and division within communities, particularly spreading actively through social media, messengers, and unofficial websites.

Context and definition of terms

This warning came amid intensified public debates concerning border management, law enforcement, and migration itself. The government emphasized that migration processes in South Africa are regulated by established laws, policies, and institutions, maintaining a balance between national interests, human rights, public safety, and regional obligations.

The government clarified the definitions: misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared without intent to deceive; disinformation is the deliberate creation and dissemination of false data to manipulate or mislead the public; and malinformation is the use of authentic information that has been taken out of context, altered, or selectively presented to cause harm.

Risks and recommendations

According to GCIS, the rate of spread of unverified information causes growing concern during periods of heightened public interest, especially when accompanied by edited videos, deepfakes, manipulated images, and emotionally charged content.

Authorities noted that false claims related to migrants, border management, deportations, documentation procedures, access to public services, or law enforcement operations can escalate tensions, erode confidence in state structures, and cause unnecessary panic.

The government strongly recommended that citizens and migrants residing in South Africa verify information before publishing it. Citizens are advised to trust reputable news outlets, official government communication channels, and verified fact-checking platforms.

In conclusion, the government recognized misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation as a serious threat to nation-building and social cohesion, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring public access to accurate and verified information. A general call for responsibility was made to all South African residents to help foster a society based on facts, not fabrications.