Beware of tax-time scams
The ATO is reminding taxpayers to be wary of scams this tax time – scammers are ramping up their efforts to defraud the public of their personal information and money.
During the 2014 calendar year the ATO received more than 42,000 reports from the public of email and phishing scams.
Scammers can be very convincing and trick people into handing over money, their tax file number or personal information, says John Becker, Chief Information Security Officer at the ATO.
Scammers can be very convincing and trick people into handing over money, their tax file number or personal information.
‘Their tricks include impersonating ATO representatives on the phone or sending fraudulent emails,’ said Mr Becker.
Key tips to protect yourself
- Never share personal information, such as your TFN, myGov or bank account details on social media.
- Change any passwords you may have shared with family or friends.
- If you receive an email or phone call out of the blue from ‘the ATO’ claiming that you are entitled to a refund or asking you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details like your tax file number, press ‘delete’ or just hang up.
- Don’t open any attachments or click on any links or reply to these emails. They may take you to a bogus website or contain a harmful virus.
- If you’re not sure whether a call or email is a scam, verify who they are by using their official contact details to call them directly. Never use contact details provided by the caller – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Never send money or give your financial details to someone you don’t trust – it’s rare to recover money from a scammer.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- If you use a tax agent, make sure they are registered by checking at tpb.gov.au/onlineregister (link is external).
- Never put your tax file number (TFN) on your resume. Only give it to your employer after you have started your job.
John recommends that if you receive a call from the ATO and are concerned about providing your personal information over the phone, ask for the caller’s name and phone them back through the ATO’s switchboard on 13 28 69.
‘People can also forward suspect scams to [email protected] or call the ATO during business hours on 1800 060 062 to discuss a suspected scam.’
Read more tips on how to protect your identity or how to protect your information online.
