Scam alert: Iras warns of callers impersonating as tax collectors to get credit card information via WhatsApp

SINGAPORE — The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) is warning members of the public not to pick up WhatsApp calls by people pretending to be from the tax agency, after it received reports of such scams.  

In an advisory issued on Tuesday (Aug 24), Iras said that the callers would tell taxpayers that they have to pay a penalty for unpaid taxes and then ask for credit card details. 

“Members of the public are advised to ignore such calls and not to provide any personal, credit card or bank account details, make any payments to a third party’s bank account or follow any instructions by the caller,” the authority said. 

“Those who have been affected by the scam are advised to lodge police reports,” it added. 

Iras also said that it does not call taxpayers through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, and will not ask them to verify credit card or bank account details over the phone.