Fake Tax Office Scams in Serbia
Fraudsters impersonate Serbia's Tax Administration (Poreska uprava) and other government agencies to extract payments from residents and businesses.
Part of: Fake Tax Office Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Tax impersonation fraud in Serbia targets both private individuals and small businesses, exploiting the complexity of the Serbian tax system and, in particular, the anxiety of self-employed and sole-trader taxpayers who deal with the Tax Administration directly. Fraudulent phone calls, emails, and SMS messages claim that unpaid taxes will result in immediate legal action unless payment is made urgently.
The scam is particularly effective during the annual tax-filing season (April–May) and around VAT reporting deadlines for businesses, when genuine tax correspondence is expected and psychological vigilance is lower.
How this scam works on Serbia
A call arrives claiming to be from the Serbian Tax Administration (Poreska uprava) or the Tax Police (Poreska policija). The caller cites a specific tax debt figure and a case reference number, and states that a warrant for seizure of assets or bank account freeze will be issued unless immediate payment is made.
Payment by bank transfer to a specified account is demanded. Some callers already hold partial personal or business information, sourced from data breaches or public records, that makes the call feel credible. Victims who query the debt are told they can resolve it only by paying immediately.
Email variants send fake 'tax debt notifications' with links to spoofed government websites that capture banking credentials.
Common red flags
- An unexpected call from 'Poreska uprava' demands immediate bank-transfer payment.
- Threats of immediate asset seizure or criminal prosecution are used to create panic.
- The payment account provided is a private individual's account rather than a government treasury account.
- Email links lead to sites that are not the official purs.gov.rs domain.
- The caller refuses to provide a verifiable written notice and insists on phone payment only.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call the Serbian Tax Administration on its published number to verify any debt claim.
- Real tax demands are issued in writing through formal notices — phone-only payment demands are fraudulent.
- Check your tax status independently via the ePorezi online portal at eporezi.purs.gov.rs.
- Never pay tax debts to a private bank account — all payments go to official treasury accounts.
- Consult a registered accountant (ovlašćeni računovođa) if you are concerned about a debt notice.
How to report it
- Report the impersonation call to the Serbian Tax Administration and the Ministry of Interior cybercrime unit.
- Forward phishing emails to CERT Serbia at [email protected].
- File a formal police report if money has been transferred.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Serbian Tax Administration ever demand phone payment?
No. The Serbian Tax Administration issues formal written notices. Any call demanding immediate phone payment to resolve a tax debt is a scam.