How to be prepared for a fresh wave of tax time scams

They’re sneaky, they’re aggressive, and they’re coming for you and your bank account. Here’s how to avoid getting caught out by tax scammers.

Don’t get stung by online scammers this tax time.

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Cyber criminals are circling as tax time arrives for millions of workers and business owners.

Having had success stealing people’s money with bushfire and COVID-19 scams this year, the fraudsters’ new focus is taxpayers and preying on their pressures and concerns around tax returns.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Delia Rickard said people should be wary of a new spike in tax time scams, especially aggressive ones.

“You get a call, they say they’re the Tax Office and a warrant is out for your arrest, and you need to pay immediately or an officer will knock on your door,” she said.

“No government department will ever ask to be paid by gift card or cyber currency, which is a new way people are asking to be paid.

“If someone is calling you out of the blue, you need to do your own checks.”

The Australian Taxation Office says one new scam involves fraudsters calling or messaging people to tell them their tax file number has been used for fraudulent purposes, then asking for personal data over the phone or via an online link.

ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard says some scammers ask to be paid in cyber currency. Picture: supplied

Another recent scam asked victims for their bank account details so a “bonus” COVID-19 tax refund could be sent to them.

An ATO spokeswoman said scammers were evolving and “getting better at pretending to be large and official organisations”.

“Last year we did see a spike from around 7000 reports up to 13,000,” she said.

The ATO has a dedicated scam reporting hotline on 1800 008 540.

Norton LifeLock cyber security specialist Mark Gorrie said people should be cautious of all emails, SMS messages and phone calls claiming to be from the ATO.

“If you’re not sure about the validity of any communication from the ATO, call them directly,” he said.

“And if you’re filing your taxes online, use a secure Wi-Fi connection or a VPN.”

KnowBe4 security awareness advocate Jacqueline Jayne said there had been hundreds of successful tax time scams in the past.

“Don’t be a victim this year,” she said.

“The ATO will never request personal details like bank account details via email, SMS or voicemail.

“The ATO will never call you demanding payment of anything.”

PROTECT YOURSELF

• Know your own tax affairs and whether you are likely to be due for a refund or tax debt.

• Understand the legitimate ways the ATO asks for money.

• If contacted by someone claiming to be from the ATO, independently source contact numbers and call the ATO to confirm.

• If scammed, spread the word to family and friends, and report it to the ATO.

Originally published as How to be prepared for a fresh wave of tax time scams