Fake Tax Office Scams in Tunisia
Scammers impersonating Tunisian tax authorities contact taxpayers and businesses demanding immediate payment of fabricated arrears under threat of legal action.
Part of: Fake Tax Office Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Impersonation of the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) — Tunisia's tax authority — is a growing fraud vector. Scammers contact individuals and small-business owners by phone, SMS, or email claiming unpaid taxes must be settled urgently to avoid fines, court proceedings, or account freezes.
The intimidation tactics exploit genuine concern about legal and financial consequences, causing victims to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the demand.
How this scam works on Tunisia
Victims typically receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a DGI inspector, citing a specific tax reference number to appear credible. The caller insists an outstanding balance must be settled the same day via electronic transfer or mobile money to avoid escalating penalties. A fake payment link or account number is provided.
SMS and email variants share links to convincing fake DGI portals where victims enter their payment card details, losing both the 'tax payment' and their card information for subsequent fraud.
Business owners are particularly targeted around the end of Tunisia's fiscal year, when tax anxiety is naturally higher and the pressure to resolve any outstanding liability quickly feels more plausible.
Common red flags
- Demand for immediate same-day payment to avoid severe consequences
- Payment requested via mobile money, gift cards, or informal transfer rather than official DGI portal
- Caller cannot provide a verifiable DGI case reference that matches the official system
- Link in email or SMS points to a domain that is not dgi.finances.gov.tn
- Threatening language about immediate arrest or asset seizure — atypical of genuine DGI communications
- Caller asks for payment card details over the phone
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call the DGI directly on their published number to verify any claimed liability
- Never pay tax demands via mobile money or gift cards — official payments go through the DGI portal
- Check your tax account status directly at the official DGI website before responding to any demand
- Do not click links in unsolicited SMS or email messages claiming to be from the DGI
- Ask a registered accountant to verify any unexpected tax claim before paying
How to report it
- Report the fraudulent call or message to the real DGI so they can issue public warnings
- File a complaint with the BNIT cybercrime unit, including screenshots and call records
- Notify your bank if card details were entered on a fake portal
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tunisian DGI ever demand same-day payment by phone?
Genuine DGI communications follow formal administrative procedures and are issued in writing. A demand for immediate phone or mobile-money payment is not consistent with standard DGI practice.