Scam data

Find the latest data on ATO impersonation scams.

Last updated 10 December 2023

Latest scam data

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.

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.

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.

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