Fake Tax Office Scams in Botswana
How scammers impersonating the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) extract payments from residents through fake tax demands.
Part of: Fake Tax Office Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake tax office scams involve criminals who impersonate revenue authorities to frighten individuals and businesses into making immediate payments. In Botswana, scammers impersonate the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), claiming the recipient owes outstanding taxes and faces arrest or asset seizure unless they pay immediately by a specific method.
The fear of official action makes these scams effective regardless of whether the victim actually owes any tax. Scammers rely on urgency and authority to prevent victims from verifying the claim independently.
How this scam works on Botswana
A Motswana receives a call, email, or WhatsApp message claiming to be from BURS. The message states an unpaid tax liability has been identified and immediate payment is required to avoid prosecution or a property seizure order. A payment reference and a mobile-money number or account are provided.
Some scammers threaten to contact the recipient's employer or to issue an arrest warrant. Others claim a BURS inspector will arrive at the recipient's home within hours. Payment is demanded via mobile money, gift card, or a specific bank account — methods that would never be used by the real BURS.
Business owners are targeted with variants involving corporate tax, VAT, or import duty claims.
Common red flags
- Unexpected contact claiming you owe tax and face immediate legal consequences
- Payment requested via mobile money, gift cards, or a personal bank account
- Caller or message insists you must not discuss the matter with anyone
- Threat of arrest, seizure, or prosecution if payment is not made within hours
- Contact came via WhatsApp rather than official BURS communication channels
How to protect yourself
- Call BURS directly using the official number from their website to verify any tax claim before paying
- BURS communicates through official letters and their verified portal — not WhatsApp or personal mobile numbers
- Never pay taxes via gift card or mobile-money transfer to an individual account
- Be aware that real tax disputes have formal appeal processes — they are never resolved by same-day phone payments
- Involve an independent tax professional if you believe a claim may be legitimate
How to report it
- Report to BURS directly so they can issue a public warning and investigate the impersonation
- File a report with the Botswana Police Service with all communication records
- Notify your bank if funds were transferred to attempt a recall
Frequently asked questions
How does BURS actually contact people who owe tax?
BURS communicates through official correspondence sent to your registered address or through their secure online portal. They do not use WhatsApp, personal mobile numbers, or messaging apps to collect tax. Any payment demand that arrives through these channels is fraudulent. When in doubt, call the BURS contact centre using the number published on their official website.