ATO Scams information

Protect your personal information from ATO scams, such as your name, date of birth, address, myGov and Tax file number (TFN).

Scammers can use this information to:

Access your bank account and purchase things on your credit card.
Access your myGov account to steal tax refunds and superannuation.
Sell your house or your personal details to organized crime groups on the dark web or other means.
Take over your business and submit adjustments for business activity statements (BAS) that you have lodged before.
Apply for government benefits.

It can take a long time to fix your ATO record if your personal information has been stolen and it might affect getting a job or loan, renting a house, applying for government benefits and services, etc.

Examples of scams from the ATO:

1. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) email scam

Scammers are emailing clients to require them to update their Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on their ATO account.

The scammer will provide a link or QR code for the login to the online services. However, the ATO never provides a QR code, link or any download files in their emails.

An example is as follows:

2. Tax time SMS & email scams

The scammer uses different phrases to try to get attention by requesting people to open links sent via text or email to sign in to fake myGov pages.

These words may be in the text:

You are due to receive an ATO direct refund.
You have an ATO notification.
You need to update your details to allow your tax return to be processed.
We need to verify your incoming tax deposit.
ATO Refund failed due to incorrect BSB/Account number.
Due to receiving a refund, click here to receive a rebate.

An example is as follows:

If in doubt, you can check with us. The ATO will not contact you via email or SMS requesting information of this nature.

How to keep your information safe?

Be aware of what you share and be careful about what you discuss in public or on social media, other people can listen to your phone calls and conversations with friends.
Do not carry your birth certificate or passport in your handbag or wallet or put your personal papers or spare house keys in your glove box of the car if you don’t need them.
Lock your mailbox and use a post office box if you are receiving a large volume of mail.
Do not save your TFN, passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) in your mobile phone.
Make sure electronic documents including personal information are secure. Use passwords or encryption or a trusted data vault website to protect your information.
Enroll your voiceprint with the ATO, it helps the ATO protect your tax account and reduce the chances of scammers.

Your accountant can confirm the legitimacy of any request from the ATO.

Alternatively, you can call the ATO on 1800 467 033 for assistance with your ATO account if you suspect your personal information has been compromised.

For more information: Please click here

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