Avoid Tax Scams

Cybercriminals take every opportunity to get their hands on your money, and they are very clever.

Tax time scams are on the rise - over 81,000 scam reports were made to the ATO last year - so it is important to remain vigilant as you get ready to lodge your claim.

Scammers often approach in the guise of an organisation you know and trust; your bank or even the taxation office.

Be wary and guard yourself with a few simple steps.

• Keep up to date with your tax affairs and financial accounts, so you can’t be tricked into believing you have a debt.
• Be suspicious of anyone that asks for your personal information.
• Use an accountant registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). You can check this at https://www.tpb.gov.au/registrations_search).
• Don’t share any personal information, including your myGov password with anyone.
• If you haven’t already, set two-factor authentication on your myGov account to guard against unauthorised access.
• Avoid clicking on links in emails or SMS that log into your accounts.
• Install software designed to protect your personal information.
• Avoid sending tax information electronically without verifying the recipient’s authenticity.
• Know that the ATO will never, either by phone or email, demand payment, suspend your TFN or threaten you with legal action or arrest.
• Be careful about what information you share on your social media.
• Regularly backup the security software on your computers.
• Make sure you have a secure internet connection.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be the ATO, ask them for, and write down, their details and call the ATO directly, using the phone number on their official website, and check.

You can also phone the ATO scam hotline on 1800 008 540 if you have concerns.

If you have been scammed out of money it is unlikely you will see it again, but the federal government’s website Scamwatch recommends the following steps to guard against it happening again.

• Contact people you know;
• Contact your financial institution;
• Recover your stolen identity;
• Report scams to the authorities;
• Get help from Australian agencies;
• Report scams to Facebook services;
• Change online passwords;
• Contact your local consumer protection agency; and
• Contact a counselling or support service.

• Topics:

• Finance