Fake Tax Office Scams in Zambia
How scammers impersonating the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) extort payments from individuals and businesses.
Part of: Fake Tax Office Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake tax office scams in Zambia involve criminals impersonating the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to intimidate residents and businesses into making immediate payments. Victims are told they owe outstanding taxes and face prosecution, asset seizure, or business closure unless they pay immediately via mobile money.
The threat of official action is a powerful motivator, particularly for small business owners who may be uncertain about their compliance status. The scam exploits ZRA's genuine authority to create fear-driven compliance.
How this scam works on Zambia
A Zambian individual or business receives a call or message claiming to be from ZRA. The message states an unpaid tax liability exists and that immediate payment via mobile money or a specific account number will resolve the matter. Delays will result in prosecution or a visit from enforcement officers.
Some scammers send fake ZRA assessment notices by email, complete with reference numbers and ZRA branding, instructing payment to a non-ZRA account.
Common red flags
- Unexpected message about a tax debt with a demand for immediate mobile-money payment
- Payment requested via personal mobile-money account rather than the ZRA official payment portal
- Threat of immediate arrest or seizure unless payment is made today
- Contact via WhatsApp or SMS rather than official ZRA correspondence
- Reference numbers that cannot be verified on the ZRA portal
How to protect yourself
- Call ZRA directly using the official number from their website to verify any claim
- ZRA processes payments through official channels — never via personal mobile-money accounts
- Real tax assessments provide a formal process for review and appeal — they are not resolved by same-day phone payments
- Do not share banking or mobile-money credentials with any caller claiming to be from ZRA
How to report it
- Report to ZRA directly so they can issue a warning and investigate the impersonation
- File a report with the Zambia Police Service Financial Crimes Unit
- Notify your bank or mobile-money provider if funds were transferred
Frequently asked questions
How does the genuine ZRA collect taxes in Zambia?
ZRA communicates through official mail, their online portal (ZRA eServices), and verified official contact channels. Tax payments are made through the official ZRA payment system, through designated banks, or through verified mobile payment references. Any demand for payment via a personal mobile-money number is fraudulent.