Cybersecurity professor warns over SARS tax impersonation scam
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Professor Basie von Solms from the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Centre of Cyber Security about current SARS scams targeting South Africans.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently issued a warning regarding fraudulent emails being sent to SA residents pretending to be SARS employees.
Many of these emails also contain a link where taxpayers can allegedly settle outstanding balances or debts.
To understand more about these scams, Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Professor Basie von Solms from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Centre of Cyber Security.
According to the official UJ website, Professor Solms ranks 5th globally among cybersecurity researchers.
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Speaking about SARS's recent warning about tax scams, Solms confirmed that numerous scams are spreading across various digital platforms in South Africa.
He warned that criminals are using SMSes, phone calls, and email messages as a way to try and trap unsuspecting victims.
"With the rise of AI, these scams are also becoming more professional," he said.
Solms said AI has made it much more difficult to identify scams, and they look "just like the real thing", warning residents to be extra cautious.
The best way to prevent being a victim of fraud is to not react to any communication or click on any links.
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If you are really unsure, contact SARS directly to ensure that you have any outstanding debts.
This is true not only for SARS scams but also for any suspicious communication you receive regarding money from any institution.
The cybersecurity expert said if SARS really wanted to take money or give you money, they would do so as they have access to your accounts.
If they really wanted to reach you, they would do so.
Another big scam that has been making the rounds is investment scams, warned Solms.
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These scams use AI tech, such as deep fakes and fake voices, to create adverts featuring a very famous person talking or proposing a very good investment opportunity.
The credibility of a famous person usually attracts unsuspecting victims.
Solms advised people to look at the current scams making the rounds via the SARS website.
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Image: SARS