Business email compromise (BEC) scams cost Australian businesses an average of $64,000 per successful attack in 2025, with total self-reported BEC losses reaching almost $84 million in the previous financial year. As business tax specialists who’ve helped Australian companies for 50+ years, we’ve seen sophisticated scammers specifically target businesses during tax season, exploiting the complexity of business tax obligations and the urgency of compliance deadlines.
With business-focused scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, small to medium businesses are particularly vulnerable. According to recent data, small to medium business owners are 6.2% more likely to be victims of ransomware attacks compared to employees (3.2%) or individuals (1.5%). The financial and operational impact on businesses extends far beyond immediate monetary losses to include reputational damage, legal liability, and system recovery costs.
This comprehensive guide focuses specifically on protecting your business from tax-related scams, implementing employee training programs, and establishing robust verification procedures that safeguard your company’s financial assets and sensitive information.
Quick Summary: Essential Business Protection Points
- Business email compromise averages $64,000 loss per successful attack
- Employee training is critical – most attacks target staff, not systems
- Dual verification required for all payment instruction changes
- Registered tax agents only – verify through TPB public register
- Current tax obligations: 2024-25 BAS and tax returns, plus 2025-26 planning
- Supplier verification essential – independently confirm all payment details
- Incident response plan must include tax-specific scenarios
- Professional indemnity insurance should cover cyber incidents
The Business Scam Landscape: Why Companies Are Prime Targets
Why Scammers Target Businesses
Businesses present attractive targets for scammers due to several factors:
Higher transaction values: Business payments often involve substantial amounts, making successful scams more profitable than individual targets.
Complex approval processes: Scammers exploit gaps in business procedures, particularly during busy periods like tax season.
Multiple stakeholders: Businesses involve employees, suppliers, tax agents, and other professionals, creating more potential entry points for scammers.
Time pressure: Tax deadlines and compliance requirements create urgency that scammers exploit to bypass normal verification procedures.
“We see businesses targeted specifically because scammers know they’re dealing with larger amounts and often have less rigorous verification processes than banks,” explains ITP business tax specialist Jennifer Walsh. “A successful business scam can net hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to individual scams.”
Current Business-Specific Threats
Business Email Compromise (BEC) Evolution:
- Queensland recorded the most BEC reports (434), but Western Australia had the highest average losses at $112,000 per report
- Scammers now use AI to craft executive-level communications
- Invoice manipulation has become more sophisticated with real supplier details
Tax Season Business Targeting:
- Fake ATO correspondence specifically addressing business tax obligations
- Fraudulent tax agent communications targeting business owners
- Superannuation and payroll tax scams exploiting business compliance requirements
Types of Business Tax Scams
1. Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks
BEC attacks represent the highest-loss scam category for businesses, with attackers typically following this pattern:
Initial infiltration: Scammers gain access to employee email accounts through phishing or credential theft.
Intelligence gathering: They monitor email communications to understand business processes, suppliers, and payment procedures.
Strategic timing: Attacks often coincide with regular payment cycles, tax deadlines, or when key personnel are unavailable.
Payment redirection: Scammers intercept legitimate invoices and modify payment details, or create convincing fake invoices.
Case study example: A Melbourne manufacturing business lost $190,000 when scammers compromised their supplier’s email system. The modified invoice appeared to come from their regular supplier with updated bank details, leading the accounts team to process the payment without additional verification.
2. Fraudulent Business Tax Agents
While most tax professionals provide excellent service, some fraudulent operators specifically target businesses with promises of:
Unrealistic tax savings: Guaranteeing specific refund amounts or promising to eliminate tax obligations entirely.
Aggressive deduction schemes: Encouraging businesses to claim inappropriate deductions or classify revenue as capital.
Superannuation manipulation: Offering schemes to access super benefits early or avoid superannuation guarantee obligations.
Research and Development fraud: Inflated or unsubstantiated R&D tax offset claims.
“We regularly see businesses approached by unregistered operators promising impossible tax savings,” notes ITP senior business advisor Michael Chen. “These schemes inevitably result in penalties, interest, and legal action that far exceed any promised benefits.”
3. Supplier and Vendor Scams
Scammers increasingly target business supply chains through:
Invoice manipulation: Intercepting and modifying legitimate supplier invoices with fraudulent payment details.
Fake vendor creation: Establishing seemingly legitimate supplier relationships with the intention of fraud.
Payment system exploitation: Taking advantage of automated payment systems and approval workflows.
Emergency payment requests: Creating false urgency around supplier payments to bypass verification procedures.
4. Payroll and Superannuation Scams
Business payroll systems present attractive targets for scammers who exploit:
Employee onboarding: Fake employee creation with fraudulent bank details.
Superannuation redirection: Changing employee super fund details to accounts controlled by scammers.
PAYG and super compliance threats: Fake ATO demands for immediate payment of payroll tax obligations.
Salary sacrifice manipulation: Fraudulent schemes claiming to reduce business tax obligations through employee arrangements.
Business Security Framework: Protecting Your Company
1. Employee Training and Awareness
Comprehensive Security Training Program:
Implement quarterly training sessions covering:
- Current scam recognition techniques specific to business environments
- Email verification procedures for financial requests
- Social engineering awareness and response protocols
- Proper channels for confirming unusual instructions
- Incident reporting procedures and escalation paths
“We recommend all our business clients establish mandatory security training with regular updates,” advises ITP business security specialist Amanda Rodriguez. “Employee awareness is your first and most important line of defence.”
Role-Specific Training:
Accounts payable staff: Advanced training on invoice verification, payment authorization procedures, and supplier communication protocols.
Management: Executive-level awareness of BEC tactics, approval process importance, and incident response leadership.
HR personnel: Payroll security, employee verification procedures, and superannuation compliance protection.
IT staff: Technical security measures, system monitoring, and incident response procedures.
2. Financial Controls and Verification Procedures
Dual Approval Systems:
Implement mandatory dual approval for:
- All payments over $5,000 (or amount appropriate to your business size)
- Any changes to supplier payment details
- New vendor setup and bank account modifications
- Payroll changes and employee banking updates
Independent Verification Protocols:
- Supplier verification: Always confirm payment detail changes through independently sourced contact information
- Executive authorization: Verify unusual requests from management through separate communication channels
- ATO communication: Independently verify all tax-related correspondence through direct ATO contact
- Payment processing: Manual review required for all electronic payment batches
3. Technology Security Measures
Email Security:
- Advanced threat protection with sandboxing capabilities
- Email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Suspicious link and attachment scanning
- Executive email protection with additional verification layers
System Access Controls:
- Multi-factor authentication for all financial systems
- Role-based access controls limiting financial system access
- Regular access reviews and deprovisioning procedures
- Segregation of duties in payment processing systems
Network Security:
- Firewall protection with intrusion detection systems
- Regular security patching and update procedures
- Secure remote access protocols for off-site workers
- Network monitoring and anomaly detection
4. Supplier and Vendor Management
Vendor Verification Procedures:
- Comprehensive due diligence for new suppliers
- Regular verification of existing supplier details
- Independent confirmation of banking information changes
- Documented approval processes for vendor setup
Payment Security Protocols:
- Secure channels for receiving and processing invoices
- Manual verification of unusual payment requests
- Regular reconciliation of supplier accounts
- Audit trails for all payment modifications
Business Tax Compliance Protection
1. Legitimate Tax Agent Verification
Registration Verification:
All business tax agents must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. Verification requirements include:
- Current registration status through the TPB public register
- Professional indemnity insurance meeting TPB requirements
- Specific qualifications appropriate to your business tax needs
- Clean disciplinary record with no current sanctions or conditions
Service Agreement Protection:
Ensure your tax agent provides:
- Written engagement letters detailing scope of services
- Clear fee structures not based on refund amounts
- Professional communication protocols
- Secure document handling procedures
- Regular progress updates and consultation access
“Our comprehensive business tax services include built-in verification procedures and professional oversight,” explains ITP business director Sarah Thompson. “When you engage us, you’re protected by our rigorous compliance procedures and professional standards.”
2. 2024-25 Business Tax Obligations
Current Filing Requirements:
- Quarterly BAS due 28 days after quarter end (or monthly if required)
- Annual company tax returns due by 15 May 2025 (or 31 October with registered agent)
- Payroll tax obligations varying by state/territory
- Superannuation guarantee 11.5% for 2024-25 financial year
- PAYG withholding and instalment obligations
Common Scam Targets:
Scammers often exploit confusion around:
- BAS lodgement and payment deadlines
- Superannuation guarantee rate changes
- Instant asset write-off threshold adjustments
- Research and development incentive changes
3. 2025-26 Business Planning Security
Emerging Scam Areas:
As we approach the 2025-26 financial year end, businesses should be particularly vigilant about:
- Fake investment schemes promising tax deductions
- Superannuation manipulation claiming new early access provisions
- Cryptocurrency tax avoidance through unregistered advisors
- Business expense inflation encouraging inappropriate claims
Proactive Protection:
- Regular consultation with registered tax professionals
- Stay updated on legitimate ATO communications and policy changes
- Verify any new tax planning opportunities through official channels
- Maintain conservative approaches to aggressive tax strategies
Industry-Specific Business Risks
1. Construction and Trades
Common targets:
- Subcontractor payment redirection scams
- False building industry security of payment demands
- Fraudulent workers compensation and insurance schemes
Protection measures:
- Verified subcontractor payment details database
- Independent confirmation of all payment variations
- Direct verification of insurance and compliance requirements
2. Professional Services
Common targets:
- Client account manipulation and trust account fraud
- Fake professional indemnity and compliance requirements
- Fraudulent practice management software schemes
Protection measures:
- Segregated client account management
- Professional compliance verification through industry bodies
- Secure practice management systems with audit trails
3. Retail and Hospitality
Common targets:
- Point of sale system compromise
- Supplier invoice manipulation
- Fraudulent merchant service schemes
Protection measures:
- Secure payment processing systems
- Regular supplier verification procedures
- Professional merchant service provider verification
4. Manufacturing and Distribution
Common targets:
- Supply chain invoice manipulation
- Fraudulent logistics and transport schemes
- Fake compliance and certification requirements
Protection measures:
- Comprehensive supplier verification programs
- Independent confirmation of compliance requirements
- Secure supply chain communication protocols
Incident Response: When Your Business Is Targeted
1. Immediate Response Procedures
If you suspect a scam attempt:
- Don’t engage with the suspicious communication
- Preserve evidence by taking screenshots and saving emails
- Alert key personnel including management and IT staff
- Verify independently through known contact methods
- Document everything for reporting and investigation purposes
If money has been lost or information compromised:
- Contact your bank immediately to report fraudulent transactions
- Call the ATO on 1800 008 540 if tax-related
- Notify your cyber insurance provider if coverage exists
- Change all affected passwords and security credentials
- Engage professional incident response services if significant compromise
2. Business Recovery Procedures
Financial Recovery:
- Work with banks to trace and potentially recover funds
- Review and strengthen financial controls
- Assess and update cyber insurance coverage
- Consider legal action where appropriate
Operational Recovery:
- Restore compromised systems from clean backups
- Update and patch all affected systems
- Review and strengthen security procedures
- Implement additional monitoring and detection capabilities
Reputation Management:
- Prepare communication for affected customers and suppliers
- Work with professional advisors on disclosure requirements
- Implement transparency measures to rebuild trust
- Document lessons learned for future prevention
“When businesses experience security incidents, immediate professional response is critical,” notes ITP business recovery specialist David Park. “Our business support services include incident response coordination and recovery planning.”
Business Protection Implementation Checklist
Employee Training and Procedures
- Â Quarterly security awareness training for all staff
- Â Role-specific training for accounts, HR, and management teams
- Â Simulated phishing exercises with business scenarios
- Â Clear incident reporting and escalation procedures
- Â Regular updates on current business scam techniques
Financial Controls and Verification
- Â Dual approval processes for payments over threshold amount
- Â Independent verification procedures for supplier changes
- Â Separate authorization channels for unusual management requests
- Â Regular reconciliation and audit procedures
- Â Secure payment processing with audit trails
Technology Security Measures
- Â Multi-factor authentication on all business financial systems
- Â Advanced email protection with threat detection
- Â Regular security patching and system updates
- Â Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems
- Â Secure backup and recovery procedures
Tax Compliance Protection
- Â Verification of tax agent registration and qualifications
- Â Written engagement agreements with scope and fee structures
- Â Regular consultation on legitimate tax planning opportunities
- Â Independent verification of all ATO communications
- Â Documentation of all tax-related decisions and advice
Professional Business Protection Services
Comprehensive Business Security
At ITP, our experienced business team understands that protecting your company from tax-related scams requires a comprehensive approach combining professional tax services with robust security procedures.
Our business protection framework includes:
- Professional tax compliance with built-in verification procedures
- Employee training programs on business scam recognition
- Secure communication protocols for sensitive business information
- Incident response coordination when threats are identified
- Professional oversight of all tax-related communications
Specialized Business Services
“Many of our business clients have avoided significant losses by implementing our recommended security protocols alongside professional tax services,” explains ITP business specialist Rebecca Kim. “The investment in comprehensive protection typically saves far more than it costs.”
Our business tax services provide specific protection through:
- Registered professional oversight of all business tax matters
- Secure systems for handling confidential business information
- Professional verification of tax-related communications
- Comprehensive compliance management reducing scam vulnerability
- Ongoing security consultation and incident support
Getting Professional Support
Consider engaging professional business protection services when you:
- Need to establish comprehensive employee training programs
- Want to implement robust financial verification procedures
- Require secure systems for business tax compliance
- Need professional oversight of business tax planning
- Want incident response support and recovery planning
You can book a business consultation with one of our qualified business tax specialists at any of our office locations across Australia. Our team specializes in business security integration with professional tax services.
Protecting Your Business Investment
The cost of business tax scams extends far beyond immediate financial losses. Reputational damage, legal liability, system recovery costs, and business interruption can threaten your company’s long-term viability.
However, with proper employee training, robust verification procedures, and professional tax services, you can create multiple layers of protection that safeguard your business assets and ensure compliance with tax obligations.
The sophistication of business-targeted scams continues to evolve, but businesses that invest in comprehensive protection – combining employee awareness, technological security, and professional oversight – consistently outperform those relying on basic security measures alone.
Whether you’re managing 2024-25 tax compliance or planning for the 2025-26 financial year, protecting your business from scammers requires ongoing vigilance and professional support. The investment in comprehensive business protection pays dividends through avoided losses, reduced compliance risks, and peace of mind that allows you to focus on growing your business.
Remember: scammers specifically target businesses because the potential returns are higher. By implementing professional-grade security measures and maintaining relationships with registered tax professionals, you create the robust defence your business needs in today’s threat environment.
Our experienced business tax team combines decades of compliance expertise with current cybersecurity awareness to provide comprehensive protection for Australian businesses of all sizes.
FAQs: Your Business Protection Questions Answered
How can I train employees to recognize business email compromise attempts?
Implement regular training focusing on verification procedures for financial requests, recognizing urgent payment demands, and confirming unusual instructions through independent channels. Include simulated phishing exercises and role-specific scenarios relevant to each department’s responsibilities.
What verification steps should we require for supplier payment changes?
Always verify payment detail changes through independently sourced contact information – never use contact details provided in the change request. Require written authorization, implement dual approval processes, and maintain audit trails of all payment modifications.
How do I verify if a tax agent approaching my business is legitimate?
Check their registration through the Tax Practitioners Board public register, verify their professional indemnity insurance, and confirm their qualifications match your business needs. Be wary of agents promising unrealistic tax savings or guaranteeing specific outcomes.
What should our business do if we receive threatening tax demands?
Never respond immediately to threatening communications. Contact the ATO directly on 1800 008 540 to verify any tax obligations, consult with your registered tax agent, and document all suspicious communications for reporting to ReportScams@ato.gov.au.
How can we protect our payroll system from scammers?
Implement dual approval for all payroll changes, verify new employee bank details through multiple channels, regularly audit employee master data, and establish secure procedures for superannuation fund changes. Monitor for unusual patterns in payroll processing.
What cyber insurance should our business consider for tax-related incidents?
Look for coverage including business email compromise, cyber extortion, regulatory fines, and business interruption. Ensure policies cover tax-related incidents and professional services errors. Work with brokers experienced in cyber insurance for businesses.
How do we establish secure communication with our tax agent?
Use encrypted email systems, secure document portals, and establish authentication procedures for sensitive communications. Avoid standard email for confidential tax information and implement verification protocols for unusual requests.
What are the warning signs of aggressive tax schemes targeting businesses?
Be suspicious of schemes promising to eliminate tax obligations, guaranteeing specific savings amounts, requiring immediate decisions, or involving complex structures without clear explanations. Always seek independent professional advice before engaging with aggressive tax planning.
More Helpful Articles
Tax Calculator Australia 2025: Why It’s Still the Easiest Way to Estimate Your Refund
Rental Property Tax Deductions Australia 2025: Complete Guide
Rental Property ATO Compliance 2025: Audit Triggers and Prevention Guide
Working From Home Tax Claims 2025: Are You at Risk of an ATO Review?
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be considered specific business tax or cybersecurity advice. Business tax obligations and scammer tactics change regularly, and individual business circumstances vary. For advice specific to your business situation, consult with registered business tax professionals and qualified cybersecurity advisors. ITP Tax Professionals accepts no responsibility for business decisions made based on this information alone.