Online security

A new phishing email claiming to be from the ATO is currently circulating. The email claims that the recipient is entitled to a tax refund and states they should click the embedded link and complete the online form. Do not click on the link in the email as it opens a fake webpage that will attempt to obtain your tax file number. The ATO will never email you asking for personal or credit card details and you should never provide this information. If received you should delete the email immediately. When accessing our online services, only do so by typing www.ato.gov.au directly into your browser.

Overview

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 - TFN).

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 tax time is approaching or that your business activity statement is due. However, we will never send you an email requesting you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details like your name, date of birth, address, passwords, credit card details etc.

This page is constantly updated with examples of the latest ATO related scams as we become aware of them. Please check back regularly to stay informed or sign up to the Online Services RSS, or email subscription for automated updates.