Dear Taxpayer,
Avoid tax scams—especially during tax season, when cybercriminals ramp up their schemes. A message like:
“YOU ARE DUE TO RECEIVE A $2,785 REFUND – CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR TAX RETURN”
is something you’ll never see the ATO send via SMS or email.
In May 2024 alone, the ATO reported 1,668 cases of impersonation scams—a 31% increase from the month prior. These scams rely on fake emails, threatening calls, and deceptive links to steal your personal or financial data.
How ATO Impersonation Scams Work
Melbourne architect James received a convincing email appearing to be from the ATO. It claimed his return had errors and required urgent “verification.” The link led to a fake ATO login page, asking for his TFN, bank details, and driver’s license.
Worried about penalties, James submitted the form—only to realize later he had fallen for a scam. Despite reporting it, his sensitive information was already compromised.
5 Ways to Avoid Tax Scams This Season
1. Don’t Click Suspicious Links
The ATO never sends links in emails or SMS messages. Scammers use hyperlinks to redirect you to fake login pages or install malware. Always go directly to myGov or call the ATO directly.
Tip: In January, the ATO removed links from their texts to fight cybercrime. If there’s a link—it’s probably fake.
2. Ignore Threatening or Prerecorded Calls
Scam calls often sound official, urgent, and sometimes robotic. These messages may demand immediate payments or personal info.
Example scams:
- “You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund.”
- “Update your details to allow your tax return to be processed.”
- “Verify your incoming tax deposit.”
When in doubt, hang up and verify through official ATO channels.
3. Never Share Personal Information via Email or Phone
The ATO will never request details like:
- Your tax file number (TFN)
- Bank account details
- Driver’s license
4. Verify Everything First
If you receive unexpected communication from the ATO, call 1800 008 540 or visit ato.gov.au. Don’t use phone numbers or links provided in suspicious messages.
5. Stay Educated and Aware
Believe you can spot scams? 9 out of 10 people think they can—but scammers are getting smarter.
Test yourself by taking our Recognise and Report Scams Quiz and see how prepared you really are.
You can also stay up to date on Scamwatch for the latest scam alerts and tips.
How Chill IT Can Help You Avoid Tax Scams
At Chill IT, we help businesses build a human firewall with tools like simulated phishing campaigns and cybersecurity training. Our custom phishing report will identify which staff need extra awareness—and train them to avoid tax scams and other phishing attempts.
Call us at 1300 796 246 or contact us here to book your free consultation.
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