Last checked: 26 June 2026
A SARS scam SMS is a text message that pretends to come from the South African Revenue Service and tries to make you click a fake link, enter your personal details, share banking information, pay money, or respond through an unsafe support channel.
The quick answer is: do not click the link in a suspicious SARS SMS. Go directly to official SARS channels instead. SARS warns taxpayers not to open or respond to unknown messages, not to provide personal, tax, banking or eFiling details through suspicious messages, and not to trust false SMSs or fake links. SARS also says it will never request banking details by post, email or SMS, will not send hyperlinks to other websites, does not send .htm or .html attachments, and will never ask for credit-card details. (South African Revenue Service)
For related official-service guidance, see SARS USSD code. For broader public-service scam warnings, see report fake SASSA website and public service USSD codes.
Current Verified Status
There is no verified SARS scam SMS USSD code that users should dial to “check” whether a suspicious message is real. The verified SARS USSD service is *134*7277#, but SARS describes that route as a mobile tax-service channel for selected tax services, not as a dedicated scam-SMS checker. SARS says the USSD menu includes services such as Personal Income Tax registration, the Two-Pot calculator, tax reference number, account balance, filing-return check, and Two-Pot application status. (South African Revenue Service)
For scam checks, SARS points users to its Scams and Phishing guidance and current SARS communication pages. SARS publishes examples of current surveys, SMSs and emails so taxpayers can compare a message they received with what SARS says it is currently sending. SARS also repeats that it will not ask for banking details through post, email or SMS and warns users to beware of false SMSs. (South African Revenue Service)
Use this page as a safety checkpoint before acting on any SARS scam SMS. It can help you decide what to do, what not to share, and which official routes to use. It cannot confirm a private SMS as genuine just because the message uses SARS wording, a SARS logo, a refund amount, a tax reference number, or a convincing sender name.
How to Use the Service
Start by treating the message as unverified. Do not click any link, open an attachment, scan a QR code, reply with personal information, or call a number included in the SMS. A SARS fake link may claim that you have a refund, a debt, a final demand, a tax-settlement notice, a customs payment, an audit issue, or an urgent eFiling problem.
Next, check the message outside the SMS. Open your browser yourself and go to the official SARS website or SARS eFiling directly. Do not use the link inside the message as your route to SARS. SARS specifically warns that fake messages may contain links to false forms and fake websites that look real but are designed to collect personal or banking information. (South African Revenue Service)
If the message claims you owe SARS money, check your tax status through eFiling, SARS MobiApp, the SARS Online Query System, or another official SARS route. SARS warned in May 2026 about fake “Tax Settlement Notification” or “Final Demand” messages that urge payment through links or fraudulent bank accounts. SARS advised users not to click links, to verify directly on eFiling, to use proper payment channels, and to forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. (South African Revenue Service)
If you need to use SARS USSD for a supported tax service, dial *134*7277# yourself. Do not copy a code from a suspicious SMS unless you have confirmed it on an official SARS page. When using SARS USSD, SARS says your phone will show a menu of tax services, you select the relevant service, and SARS may request your ID, passport or asylum-seeker number before displaying the result on your device. (South African Revenue Service)
Stop immediately if a menu, page, WhatsApp profile, caller, or SMS asks for unsafe information. Do not share your eFiling password, banking password, OTP, PIN, card number, CVV, credit-card details, full bank login details, or copies of ID documents through an SMS link or unofficial support route.
Documents, Eligibility, or Reference Numbers Needed
To assess a SARS scam SMS, you usually only need the message itself. Keep the SMS long enough to capture the sender name or number, date received, wording, link, attachment name if any, and the action it asks you to take. This can help you report the message or compare it against SARS scam examples.
For official SARS mobile tax services, SARS may ask for your ID number, passport number or asylum-seeker number for verification. SARS also says the cellphone number used for WhatsApp, USSD and SMS requests must be the number registered on the individual taxpayer’s SARS profile, and that these WhatsApp, USSD and SMS services are not available for tax practitioners. (South African Revenue Service)
Do not upload documents through a SARS fake link. Do not send your ID copy, bank statement, proof of address, payslip, tax return, card photo, or eFiling screenshots to a WhatsApp number or phone number from a suspicious SMS. If SARS needs supporting documents, use a verified SARS route such as eFiling, SARS MobiApp, the SARS Online Query System, a SARS branch appointment, or another official SARS channel.
Official Alternatives if USSD Is Not Available
If the SARS USSD route does not work, do not search social media for a replacement number and do not trust a “new SARS code” sent by SMS or WhatsApp. Use an official alternative instead.
SARS lists several mobile and online service routes, including SARS USSD on *134*7277#, SMS to 47277 for certain Personal Income Tax services, and SARS WhatsApp on 0800 11 7277. SARS says SMS services include tax reference number, confirmation of whether a Personal Income Tax return is due, requesting an appointment, and statement of account. SARS also says USSD and SMS services are free of charge and only available to individual taxpayers for Personal Income Tax. (South African Revenue Service)
For online checks, use SARS eFiling, SARS MobiApp, or the SARS Online Query System where applicable. SARS says taxpayers can check outstanding returns and debt on SOQS or eFiling, check compliance status on eFiling or SARS MobiApp, upload supporting documents on SOQS or SARS MobiApp, and book a SARS branch appointment on the SARS website before visiting a branch. (South African Revenue Service)
If you think a message is a scam or you may have been contacted by a fake SARS employee, SARS says you can report suspicious activity online, call the Contact Centre to confirm whether a SARS official is an employee, call the Anti-Corruption and Fraud Hotline on 0800 00 2870, call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 for general help, or visit a SARS branch to verify information. (South African Revenue Service)
Public-Service Safety and Scam Warnings
Warning signs
Treat a SARS SMS as suspicious if it tells you to act immediately, threatens legal action, promises a refund, says your account will be blocked, claims you owe money, or gives you a link to “verify” your details.
Be extra careful if the message includes a shortened link, an unfamiliar website address, an attachment, a QR code, a request for payment into a new account, or a phone number that does not match official SARS contact routes. SARS has specifically warned about false SMSs, fake websites, suspicious emails, .htm and .html attachments, and messages asking for personal, banking, tax or eFiling details. (South African Revenue Service)
A SARS scam SMS may also copy real tax language. It may mention refunds, assessments, final demands, account balances, settlement notices, audits, customs payments or eFiling. The wording alone does not make it official. A scam can still look professional, use SARS branding, and include your name or partial personal details.
What not to share
Never share the following through a SARS fake link, SMS reply, unofficial WhatsApp number, social-media inbox, or unknown caller:
| Do not share | Why it is risky |
|---|---|
| OTPs | They can be used to approve logins, payments or profile changes. |
| eFiling username or password | A scammer may access or change your SARS profile. |
| Banking username, password or PIN | This can expose your bank account. |
| Card number, CVV or credit-card details | SARS says it will never ask for credit-card details. |
| ID document copies | These can be used for identity fraud. |
| Bank statements or proof of address | These can help scammers impersonate you. |
| Tax reference number plus personal details | This may help a scammer target your SARS profile. |
SARS identity-fraud guidance says criminals may use phishing links, fake websites, social networking sites, SMSs and unsolicited calls to obtain personal and confidential information. SARS also says it will never ask for eFiling login details, passwords, PINs or credit/debit-card information in an email or over the phone. (South African Revenue Service)
Official verification steps
To verify a SARS scam SMS safely:
- Do not click the link in the SMS.
- Do not reply with personal or banking information.
- Go directly to the SARS website, SARS eFiling or SARS MobiApp.
- Check SARS’s current SMS, email and scam-warning pages.
- Use *134*7277# only for supported SARS USSD services.
- Use SARS WhatsApp 0800 11 7277 or SMS 47277 only as described on official SARS pages.
- Report suspicious activity through official SARS reporting routes.
- Contact your bank immediately if you entered banking or card details.
What to do if affected
If you clicked a SARS fake link but did not enter anything, close the page and do not continue. Take a screenshot of the message if you need to report it.
If you entered your eFiling details, change your eFiling password through the official SARS eFiling route and check whether your profile details, contact details or banking details were changed.
If you entered banking or card details, contact your bank immediately. Ask the bank to block or monitor the affected card or account and follow its fraud process.
If you think your identity or SARS profile has been compromised, SARS says suspicious activity, identity theft or fraud can be reported by using the suspicious-activity report form, contacting the Anti-Corruption and Fraud Hotline on 0800 00 2870, phoning the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 SARS (7277), or visiting a SARS branch. SARS also says victims of identity theft should notify SARS, report the matter to the police and close bank accounts where necessary. (South African Revenue Service)
FAQ
Is there an official SARS scam SMS?
SARS does send some official SMSs and other communications, but scammers also send fake SARS messages. A message is not safe just because it says SARS, uses tax language, or includes a logo. Check the message through official SARS pages, SARS eFiling, SARS MobiApp, SARS Contact Centre, or another verified SARS route before acting.
Is there a verified USSD option for SARS scam SMS?
There is a verified SARS USSD code, *134*7277#, but it is for selected SARS tax services. It should not be presented as a dedicated SARS scam SMS reporting or verification code. SARS’s official mobile-tax page lists the USSD services available, including Personal Income Tax registration, Two-Pot calculator, tax reference number, account balance, filing-return check, and Two-Pot application status. (South African Revenue Service)
Is this service free to use?
SARS says its USSD and SMS services are free of charge and only available to individual taxpayers for Personal Income Tax. Always verify the current service details on official SARS pages before publishing fee, menu or service claims, because public-service routes can change. (South African Revenue Service)
What should I do if the USSD option does not work?
Use SARS eFiling, SARS MobiApp, the SARS Online Query System, SARS WhatsApp 0800 11 7277, SARS SMS 47277 where supported, the SARS Contact Centre, or a SARS branch appointment. Do not use a replacement code, WhatsApp number or call-centre number from a suspicious SMS.
How can users tell whether a SARS scam SMS message is fake?
Warning signs include urgent refund claims, final-demand wording, payment links, requests for banking details, requests for eFiling details, strange URLs, attachments, unofficial WhatsApp numbers, and instructions to pay into a private or unfamiliar account. SARS warns taxpayers to beware of false SMSs and messages asking for personal, tax, banking or eFiling details. (South African Revenue Service)
What information should users never share when checking a SARS scam SMS?
Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords, banking login details, eFiling login details, card numbers, CVV numbers, credit-card details, or ID documents through an SMS link, unofficial WhatsApp chat, social-media inbox, or unknown caller. SARS says it will never ask for credit-card details and will not request banking details through post, email or SMS. (South African Revenue Service)
Where should users confirm the latest public-service details?
Confirm SARS scam SMS warnings, SARS fake link examples, USSD services, SMS services, WhatsApp services, eFiling, MobiApp, SOQS, branch and contact-centre details on official SARS channels. This page was last checked on 26 June 2026, but SARS menus, scam examples, support routes and service wording can change.
