Scams targeting individuals and businesses are becoming more common, and unfortunately, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is a frequent target used by scammers. These scams can appear as emails, text messages or phone calls and are often designed to look legitimate.
Common ATO Scams
Scammers often try to create urgency or fear to get you to act quickly. Common examples include:
- Messages claiming you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid penalties
- Notifications of a tax refund with a link to ‘claim’ your money
- Requests to update your personal or financial details via a link
- Phone calls threatening legal action if payment is not made
How to Spot a Scam
There are a few key warning signs to look out for:
- Requests for urgent payment, especially using unusual methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Links asking you to log in or provide sensitive information
- Messages that create pressure or panic
- Emails or texts from unfamiliar or suspicious senders
How to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam:
- Do not click on links or open attachments from suspicious messages
- Verify communications directly through official ATO channels
- Access your tax information through myGov or your accountant
- Keep your personal and financial information secure
What to Do if You’re Unsure
If you receive a message and are unsure if it is legitimate, do not respond or click any links. Instead, contact your accountant or the ATO directly to verify the communication.
We’re Here to Help
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the ATO, the team at DGL Accountants can assist. We can help confirm whether it is legitimate and guide you on the next steps.