Tax season is a prime time for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals. Many of these fraudulent emails attempt to trick people into sharing personal information or downloading harmful malware. Staying vigilant is crucial during this period to avoid falling victim to such scams.
A common scam we’ve seen involves fake emails from myGov with the subject line “Important Information Regarding Your Account.” The email typically claims that you are eligible for a tax refund. If you click the provided link, you are directed to a fake refund claim form that appears legitimate but is designed to steal your personal information.
What Happens When You Click the Link
The fake form requests sensitive details such as:
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Your name and contact information
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Your myGov password
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Your credit card number
After submitting this information and clicking the “Continue” button, you’re automatically redirected to the official myGov website. However, by this point, your personal data has already been compromised.
How to Spot a Fake myGov Email
While these emails may look official due to myGov branding, there are some key signs to watch out for. Here’s what you should do:
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Don’t click any links or attachments in suspicious emails or text messages.
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Delete any suspicious emails immediately.
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Always verify the sender’s email address—scammers often use email addresses that look similar but aren’t quite right.
Important Security Reminders
Remember that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and myGov will NEVER ask you to click on a link to provide personal or financial information, or to download files or open attachments. If you receive such a request, it’s a clear sign that the email is a scam.
How to Reduce the Risks
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of being infected:
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Verify URLs – Before clicking any link, hover over it to check the destination.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
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Stay Up to Date – Regularly update your antivirus software and be cautious when browsing online.
By staying aware and sceptical of any suspicious emails or messages, you can avoid falling for these scams and protect your personal information.
If you suspect you may have clicked on the links accidentally, please turn off your PC immediately and call Chill IT on 1300 726 679.
For more information, please subscribe to www.staysmartonline.gov.au to receive regular scam updates.
