Be wary of scams this tax time, warns the ATO. Fraudsters are becoming more ambitious in their efforts to dupe the public of their personal information.
Since 1 March this year the ATO has seen a spike in reports of email and phishing scams from 9368 to 11,344 compared with the same period last year.
‘Your personal information is the key to your identity. Protecting it is as important as locking your front door each day,’ Chief Technology Officer Todd Heather said.
Protecting your personal information is as important as locking your front door each day.
To increase community awareness of scams the ATO is launching a new video campaign with helpful tips to protect personal information.
Some of the tips:
- Never put your tax file number (TFN) on your resume. Only give it to your employer after you have started your job.
- 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 use a tax agent, make sure they are registered by checking here.
View the video and read more tips on how to protect you and your family here.
If you think your TFN has been stolen or misused, call the ATO on 1800 467 033 (8am–6pm, Monday to Friday).
