Is your small business scam safe?

NBN scams, scammers

You get a phone call. The caller says they’re from the ATO. They want you to pay a debt (which you know nothing about), or they are asking for your personal details.

But it doesn’t seem quite right. Maybe the caller:

  • is aggressive
  • threatens that if you don’t pay you will be arrested and sent to jail, or
  • tries to make you call another number outside normal business hours.

This week is National Scam Awareness Week, and is a timely reminder to be aware of threat-based impersonation scams as we approach tax time. Next time you pick up the phone or receive an email, take a moment and ask yourself, “Is this for real?”

What can you do to keep your business information safe?

We’ve developed a list of top cyber security tips to help keep your business, staff and client information safe, such as:

  • ensure your passwords are strong and secure
  • remove system access from people who no longer need it
  • ensure all devices have the latest available security updates.

The ATO are calling on small-business owners increase awareness around threat-based impersonation scams by sharing their scam stories, using the hashtags #ScamsWeek18 #IsthisForReal.

Verifying and reporting an ATO impersonation scam

One of the most common ruses scammers use to try and obtain your personal and financial details is claiming that they are from the ATO.

If you are in doubt about an interaction you have had with someone claiming to be from the ATO, or you think you have fallen victim to an ATO Impersonation scam, you can call them on 1800 008 540 between 8:00am–6:00pm Monday to Friday to verify.

If you have provided your tax file number (TFN) to someone who should not have it, or you suspect someone is misusing your TFN, phone the ATO’s Client Identity Support Centre on 1800 467 033, where you’ll receive advice on the best way to protect your tax account.

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the ATO:

  • do not click on any links, open attachments or respond
  • forward the entire email to [email protected]
  • delete any record of the scam email from your account.

Who else to notify

If you have made a payment to an ATO impersonation scammer, make an official report to your local police.

Contact your bank or financial institution if you have given your credit card or bank details to someone who shouldn’t have them.