ATO, myGov scams on rise: What to watch out for

ATO scammers are targeting hard-working Australians via emails, phone calls and SMS. Here’s how to protect yourself.

With tax time fast approaching, Australians need to stay vigilant and be on the lookout for scammers claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office.

ATO tax scams have soared in recent years, targeting hard-working Australians via emails, phone calls and SMS.

Here’s how to spot ATO refund scams and what you need to do if you think you’ve fallen victim to scammers.

ATO tax scams have soared in recent times.

CURRENT ATO SCAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Tax scam 1: Refund hoax

Scammers have been sending unsuspecting Australians ATO-branded emails urging them to click a link in order to receive a tax refund.

In one particular scam, members of the public were sent phishing emails with the phrase “You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund”.

The ATO issued a reminder to the public that it would never send an SMS or email with a link to access online services.

These services should instead be accessed directly by going to ato.gov.au

Scammers have targeted unsuspecting Australians. Picture: Australian Taxation Office

Tax scam 2: Fake myGov emails

A heartless scam targeting myGov users has been doing the rounds, prompting a warning from the ATO and Services Australia for the public to be aware of scammers impersonating government agencies.

Scammers sent ATO-branded emails to users telling them: “You have a new message in your myGov inbox – click here to view”.

Tax scam 3: Multi Factor Authentication email scam

The ATO has also reported an increase in reports of scammers impersonating the ATO and emailing the public to falsely advise them of security updates that require an update to the multifactor authentication on a person’s ATO account.

ATO tax scams have soared over the past year. Picture: Australian Taxation Office

The scam email includes a QR code which takes the user to a fake myGov sign in page, designed to steal their myGov sign in details.

The ATO issued a reminder that it would never send an email with a QR code or a link to log in to online services.

Tax scam 4: Tax time SMS and email scams

The ATO has previously warned to tax time ATO SMS and email scams

Scammers use different phrases to try and trick recipients into opening the dodgy links, such as:

“You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund”

A fake social media account posing as the Australian Taxation Office. Picture:Australian Taxation Office

“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 receive a refund, click here to receive a rebate”

Tax scam 5: Social media accounts scam

Scammers have also created fake social media accounts impersonating the ATO across Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and other platforms.

The ATO has previously warned the public about these fake accounts, which ask users to send them a direct message so they can help with their ATO query in a bid to steal personal details including phone numbers, email addresses and bank account information.

Australians are being urged to stay vigilant. Picture: Australian Taxation Office

The ATO reminded users that its only official accounts are on Facebook, X and LinkedIn. It urged the public to only follow their verified accounts and to make sure any email addresses provided end with ‘.gov.au’.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT TAX SCAMS

The ATO urges members of the public to always be aware of what information they share.  Scammers can use personally identifying information to steal money from  bank accounts and commit fraud in an unsuspecting person’s name.

The ATO advises that people should never share personal information such as myGov details, Tax File Numbers or bank account information.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SCAMMED?

If a person suspects their personal information, such as their tax file number, has been stolen, misused or compromised, the ATO advises them to phone [phone]. The ATO will then investigate and place extra protection on the person’s  ATO account.

WILL THE ATO LEAVE A VOICEMAIL?

For privacy reasons, the ATO may not leave a message unless the person’s voicemail clearly identifies who they are.

HOW DOES THE ATO CONTACT YOU?

The ATO will never send texts or emails with links to services.

It will also never ask you for your tax file number or bank details via return email, SMS, or on social media. 

Originally published as ATO, myGov scams on rise: What to watch out for