ATO impersonation scams
We generally see a rise in ATO impersonation scams targeting the community at tax time. ATO email scams have increased by more than 300% from this time last year.
Scammers send fake messages trying to trick people into handing over their personal information. Once they have it, they can steal an identity and commit fraud in that name.
Scammers know it’s a busy time of year for your practice. They’ll send messages, hoping you’re distracted and you won’t verify interactions. They also know it’s when your clients expect to hear from us, so they target them too.
Protecting your clients
As a trusted advisor, you play an important role in helping your clients stay scam safe. Three key pieces of advice are:
- Stop – Never share your myGov sign in details, and only share personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or bank account details, if you trust the person and they genuinely require them. If in doubt, don’t disclose anything.
- Check – Take a second to check. Could the interaction be fake? Is it really the ATO? If a link or QR code is directing you to provide information or log in to an online portal DON’T click on it, it’s a scam!
- Protect – Act swiftly if something doesn’t feel right. Ask your clients to notify you and the ATO.
How we will communicate
Make sure your clients know how we communicate:
- We may send an SMS or email requesting contact, but we will never send an unsolicited message with a link requesting personal information or login to our online services.
- We have a Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn account, but we will never use these platforms to ask for personal information, documentation or payments.
Staying scam safe
If your clients suspect a scam, direct them to Verify or report a scam on our website or have them phone us on 1800 008 540 for confirmation.
Learn how to stay scam safe at ato.gov.au/scamsafe.