Tax time is in full swing and so are the scammers! Their aim? To trick you and your clients into handing over personal information so they can steal your identity and commit fraud.
Scams Awareness Week is a great reminder to stop and take a second to check it’s really the ATO contacting you. We know you’re busy, juggling multiple deadlines, but scammers plan on you being distracted.
Here are 3 tips to help you and your clients:
- Don’t trust emails or texts with QR codes or links to online portals claiming to be about your tax. It’s scammers trying to steal your personal information.
- When checking the status of your tax return or using online services, always type the URL into your web browser. Don’t click on a link in a message.
- Make sure you protect your TFN, ABN and myID/RAM login details. Never give out personal information to anyone unless they genuinely need it.
If you think a phone call, SMS, voicemail, email or social media interaction claiming to be from the ATO isn't genuine, don't engage with it. You should either:
- go to Verify or report a scam to see how to spot and report a scam, or
- if you have divulged information or paid a scammer money, phone us immediately on 1800 008 540.
To learn more, visit ato.gov.au/scamsafe.