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Scam data

Find the latest data on ATO impersonation scams.

Last updated 10 December 2023

Latest scam data

November Update

In November 2023, we received 1,560 reports of ATO impersonation scams. This is a 55% decrease from last month.

People reported losing $1,500 to scammers. This is an increase from the previous month and a decrease from November 2022.

The only method of scam payment was via credit card. Find out how to protect your personal information, and verify or report a scam.

Monthly comparison

Table 1: Monthly comparison of reported ATO impersonation scams

 Date

SMS

Email

Phone

Social

Nov 23

676

753

61

66

Oct 23

1,911

1,519

46

29

Sep 23

1,850

856

57

49

Aug 23

1,515

815

79

90

July 23

1,091

928

80

10

Jun 23

574

1,156

57

6

May 23

742

1,128

94

12

Apr 23

572

473

108

11

Mar 23

1,388

821

104

45

Feb 23

2,526

696

96

65

Jan 23

1,409

1,112

76

316

Nov 22

370

1,007

69

22

The Social category includes scams that occur through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and WhatsApp.

Payment methods

Table 2: ATO impersonation scammer payment methods, November 2023

Payment method

Credit Card

Amount paid

$1,500

People paid

1

For legitimate ways to pay your tax debt, see How to pay.

QC56423