Fake Tax Office Scams in Tanzania
Fraudsters impersonate the Tanzania Revenue Authority to threaten businesses and individuals with penalties unless immediate payments are made.
Part of: Fake Tax Office Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Tax authority impersonation scams exploit Tanzanians' well-founded respect for compliance with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). Scammers send official-looking messages or make phone calls claiming that the victim owes back taxes, has been selected for audit, or faces legal action unless a penalty is paid immediately via M-Pesa or bank transfer.
These scams are particularly effective against small business owners and market traders who operate informally and may already feel uncertain about their tax status.
How this scam works on Tanzania
Victims receive an SMS, email, or phone call purportedly from TRA claiming unpaid obligations have been identified. The caller may reference the victim's real business name or TIN number — details sometimes scraped from public records — to add authenticity. A specific amount is demanded, often between TSh 100,000 and TSh 5,000,000, and the victim is told to pay immediately to a specified M-Pesa number or risk asset seizure or arrest.
Following payment, a second contact may demand additional amounts to 'clear the full record', or the victim is told that interest has accrued. Some scammers create convincing fake TRA letterhead and email domains that differ from the official address by a single character.
Small business owners in Dar es Salaam and regional trading centres are disproportionately targeted.
Common red flags
- Unexpected demand for tax payment via M-Pesa to a personal number
- Urgent deadline with threats of arrest or asset seizure to force immediate action
- Official-looking documents emailed from a non-government domain address
- Caller has your business name but becomes evasive when asked for an official case reference
- Instructions to keep the matter confidential and not contact an accountant or lawyer
How to protect yourself
- All legitimate TRA payments are made through TRA's official portal or designated bank accounts — never via personal M-Pesa
- Verify any claimed liability by calling TRA directly on the number listed at tra.go.tz
- Ask for the TRA staff member's full name, employee number, and office location, then verify independently
- Consult a registered tax adviser before making any payment following unexpected contact
- Do not allow fear of penalties to rush you into paying without verification
How to report it
- Report to TRA directly using the contacts at tra.go.tz so they can warn others
- File a report with the Tanzania Police CID and provide any M-Pesa numbers or bank accounts used
- Report to TCRA if the contact was by phone or SMS
Frequently asked questions
What if TRA actually does contact me about unpaid taxes?
Genuine TRA communication references your TIN, is delivered through official channels, and gives you time to respond. Hang up or do not reply, then call TRA directly to check your account status.