Workforce education news - Issue 7/2011

Ensuring your online security

There are many different types of scams - online, phone, mail and face-to-face. Online scams, such as email 'phishing' scams, are on the rise and are designed to trick you into giving away your money, passwords and personal details, such as your tax file number.

You should be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the ATO. Hoax emails and websites can look very convincing - however, they are often poorly worded and contain spelling and grammatical mistakes.

From time to time, we will send you emails, SMS or post messages on our official social media profiles promoting new services or alerting you to due dates - for example, that tax time is approaching, or your business activity statement is due.

However, we will never send you an email or an SMS requesting you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details, such as your name, date of birth, address, passwords, or credit card details.

More information about protecting yourself online can be found on our website at www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity

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