POINT police are cautioning the community to be aware of income tax return fraud cases after they noticed an increase in reported fraud cases involving tax returns.
“Point police station is investigating a number of fraud cases involving SARS tax returns opened at the station since the beginning of the month. It is alleged that the victims received their IRP5 forms and go to SARS offices to submit their tax returns. However, when they get there they are informed their tax returns have already been submitted through e-filing and they can not submit again,” explained Point SAPS communications officer, Captain BJ Simelane.
According to Simelane, the victims were shocked as they were not registered for e-filing. “At least ten cases have been opened at Point police station regarding this scam. Police are investigating fraud cases and no arrest has been made at this stage.
“We appeal to the community to be aware of this scam and make sure that their documents are always safe and not give to any private information to strangers as they might use that information to defraud SARS.”
Captain BJ Simelane also warned the local community to be aware of the people pretending to know you and shaking your hand or hugging you as many such greetings have resulted in theft of belongings. “We have many cases reported at the station with the same modus operandi,” he said.
