Scammers. It seems they’re everywhere. The ATO has received over 40,225 reports of impersonation scams and over $1 million in losses from over 300 Australian just this year alone. You can’t turn one way or the other without being targeted.
Scammers are also getting smarter. The latest tax scams mimic businesses and government departments so well, you’d think you were speaking with the ATO itself.
How are scammers doing it?
Scammers have adopted ‘Robocall’ technology, which sends pre-recorded messages to land line and mobile phones across Australia. This technology manipulates caller identification so that phones display a legitimate ATO phone number despite having come from overseas. Known as ‘spoofing’, it is a technique to make their call seem legitimate.
It’s important to note that calls made by the legitimate ATO do not show a number on caller ID, nor do they use pre-recorded messages. If you are rung from a person claiming they’re from the ATO, chances are, they’re faking it.
How can you protect yourself if you are targeted for a tax scam?
If scammers do make contact with their victims, they will request payment of a non-existent tax debt through unusual methods, such as:
- bitcoin
- gift cards
- vouchers
- pre-paid cards
- direct credit to a bank account
- issuing a direct web link via email or SMS to a login page to make a payment
- requesting a fee to release finds owed to you
Scammers will also threaten with immediate arrest, jail or deportation and do their best to keep you on the phone until payment has been made. They may also become rude and aggressive and can be very persuasive.
What can you do to protect yourself from a tax scam?
Be careful when clicking on links, downloading files or opening attachments you may receive. These may contain invasive viruses that, when downloaded onto your computer, can access private identification numbers and bank account details. Only give these types of details to people you trust, such as your registered tax agent, and never post them on social media. If you do receive a suspicious email, you can forward it, unopened, to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au If you do receive a suspicious text or message and you’re just not sure it’s authentic, follow up. Call the ATO on 1800 008 540 to verify the message. Do not reply to the message or call back. Your registered tax agent will also be well versed with the latest scam data and can tell you if you have been targeted.
If you’re still not sure and you’ve answered a call:
- Ask for their full name and extension number
- Ask for their team leaders full name and extension number
- Hang up and verify the information with the ATO
What do you do if you have been scammed?
If you have been the unwitting victim of a scammer and have provided information about your funds, your TFN, or provided personal details, phone the ATO straight away. These details can be compromised. Contact your bank straight away if you have provided credit card details as a part of the scam.
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Keep up to date
The ATO has a scam alert web page, which is updated with the latest scams. You can access this page here: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Online-services/Identity-security/Scam-alerts/
The ATO’s general email updates include information about the latest scams, as well as general information on the ATO web site. You can subscribe here: https://www.ato.gov.au/Subscription.aspx
There’s no need to be a victim. Help is at hand. ITP The Income Tax Professionals can help you with any tax related questions you may have. Schedule an appointment or drop by your nearest ITP office today!
Monday 22nd
It’s tax time and with it come tax scammers. The last thing anyone needs to is to be scammed on top of everything else, and with tax season scammers are doing their level best to imitate the #ATO. So how do you know what’s right or wrong? Don’t fall for the latest #TaxScam. Read our tips here: https://www.itp.com.au/how-to-avoid-becoming-the-victim-of-a-tax-scam/
Tuesday 23rd
There’s no doubt that scammers are getting smarter. They prey on unsuspecting people come #TaxTime all over Australia all the time. The latest tax scams mimic businesses and government departments so well, you’d think you were speaking with the ATO itself. So what do you do if you’ve been the victim of a #TaxScan? Read our tips here: https://itp.com.au/how-to-avoid-becoming-the-victim-of-a-tax-scam/
Wednesday 24th
#TaxScam? Victim? Don’t know what to do? #ITP Professionals are up-to-date with the latest scams. If you think you’ve been the victim of a #TaxScam, call your ITP consultant and they will tell you what you need to do. Help is at hand. Read our tips here: https://itp.com.au/how-to-avoid-becoming-the-victim-of-a-tax-scam/
Thursday 25th
It’s #TaxTime and scammers come out of the woodwork to prey on the unsuspecting. Beware. Scammers who imitate the #ATO will request payment through unusual methods, such as bitcoin, gift cards, vouchers amongst many. They will often threaten with jail time if you refuse to pay. What do you do if you think you’ve been the victim? Don’t wait. Call your tax consultant straight away. Read our tips here: https://itp.com.au/how-to-avoid-becoming-the-victim-of-a-tax-scam/
Friday 26th
Think you’re being scammed? Be careful when clicking on links, downloading files or opening attachments you may receive. These may contain invasive viruses that, when downloaded onto your computer, can access private identification numbers and bank account details. Only give these types of details to people you trust, such as your registered tax agent, and never post them on social media. Read our tips here: https://itp.com.au/how-to-avoid-becoming-the-victim-of-a-tax-scam/