PAYE refund scammers on the prowl
Be vigilant
The police have issued a warning that cases of fraud and theft under pretences, especially through social media and phone calls, have surged.
The police in the Kavango West Region have cautioned the public about the rise in fraudulent activities linked to tax refunds, urging the public to be cautious when sharing personal information.
Kavango West police chief Inspector Raimbert Muronga on Tuesday told Namibian Sun about the increasing number of cases where scammers, masquerading as officials from institutions such as the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), MTC and Social Security, are exploiting unsuspecting victims.
“Cases of fraud and theft under pretences, especially through social media and phone calls, have surged. These criminals often pose as NamRA employees, offering to help facilitate tax refunds. They then trick people into providing their banking details, which are subsequently used to drain their accounts,” he said.
The warning comes at a critical time, following the government's introduction of new tax relief measures. With domestic tax thresholds recently adjusted, more Namibians now qualify for refunds. This reform, which is expected to inject over N$640 million directly into taxpayers' pockets, has created fertile ground for fraudsters looking to take advantage.
Scammers
Muronga pointed to a recent audio clip circulating on social media, illustrating how scammers operate.
“In the clip, a scammer, posing as a NamRA employee, contacts an individual and offers to fast-track their tax refund. The scammer then asks for ATM details, gaining access to the victim’s banking information. Similar scams are being run where fraudsters claim to be from MTC, offering fake rewards in exchange for banking details. Once obtained, they empty the victim's account,” he explained.
In another case from August, an employee at the International University of Management (IUM) was conned after being promised a N$30 000 loan. The scammer demanded an upfront deposit of N$2 500 and the victim lost their money without receiving the promised loan.
Be on guard
As the festive season approaches, Muronga stressed the need for heightened awareness, noting that scammers become even more aggressive.
"Fraudsters will be out in full force at ATMs, supermarkets, hospitals, and even Natis offices, searching for their next victim. The public must remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information over the phone or social media," he warned.
Muronga urged residents of the region to report any suspicious activities immediately.
"Let's work together to limit the opportunities for these criminals. The faster incidents are reported, the quicker we can investigate and track down those responsible.”
He reiterated that the best defence against scams is personal vigilance. “Scammers will use any method to steal your money. It’s up to us to safeguard ourselves by not giving personal information to strangers. Stay alert and resolute,” he added.
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Kavango West police chief Inspector Raimbert Muronga on Tuesday told Namibian Sun about the increasing number of cases where scammers, masquerading as officials from institutions such as the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), MTC and Social Security, are exploiting unsuspecting victims.
“Cases of fraud and theft under pretences, especially through social media and phone calls, have surged. These criminals often pose as NamRA employees, offering to help facilitate tax refunds. They then trick people into providing their banking details, which are subsequently used to drain their accounts,” he said.
The warning comes at a critical time, following the government's introduction of new tax relief measures. With domestic tax thresholds recently adjusted, more Namibians now qualify for refunds. This reform, which is expected to inject over N$640 million directly into taxpayers' pockets, has created fertile ground for fraudsters looking to take advantage.
Scammers
Muronga pointed to a recent audio clip circulating on social media, illustrating how scammers operate.
“In the clip, a scammer, posing as a NamRA employee, contacts an individual and offers to fast-track their tax refund. The scammer then asks for ATM details, gaining access to the victim’s banking information. Similar scams are being run where fraudsters claim to be from MTC, offering fake rewards in exchange for banking details. Once obtained, they empty the victim's account,” he explained.
In another case from August, an employee at the International University of Management (IUM) was conned after being promised a N$30 000 loan. The scammer demanded an upfront deposit of N$2 500 and the victim lost their money without receiving the promised loan.
Be on guard
As the festive season approaches, Muronga stressed the need for heightened awareness, noting that scammers become even more aggressive.
"Fraudsters will be out in full force at ATMs, supermarkets, hospitals, and even Natis offices, searching for their next victim. The public must remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information over the phone or social media," he warned.
Muronga urged residents of the region to report any suspicious activities immediately.
"Let's work together to limit the opportunities for these criminals. The faster incidents are reported, the quicker we can investigate and track down those responsible.”
He reiterated that the best defence against scams is personal vigilance. “Scammers will use any method to steal your money. It’s up to us to safeguard ourselves by not giving personal information to strangers. Stay alert and resolute,” he added.
[email protected]
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