As millions of Australians are preparing to lodge their tax returns, scammers are actively seeking new ways to exploit personal information. If successful, they can use stolen details not only to commit fraud against the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), but also carry out broader identity theft and financial crimes across the community.
The ATO has reported a sharp rise in impersonation scams, with a 150 per cent increase over the last 12 months. 90 per cent of ATO impersonation scams are currently being sent via email.
Scammers are constantly enhancing their methods to impersonate the ATO, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to recognise fraudulent messages. Staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting personal information.
To help keep your personal information safe and protected, the ATO’s app now has powerful new safety features designed to give users real-time control over their tax affairs through alerts and instant account locking to help stop fraudsters in their tracks.
The app enhancements bolster the ATO’s existing fraud controls that have been in place for some time to detect unusual or out of pattern behaviour on taxpayers’ accounts.
Quotes attributable to ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson
‘This is the time of year when people are awaiting their tax returns or expecting to hear from the ATO, and scammers know it.’
‘That’s why we’ve strengthened the ATO app with new security features. It’s fast, free, and puts security in your hands, giving you the power to monitor your account in real-time and instantly lock it if something doesn’t feel right.’
‘Downloading the ATO app is a simple and effective way to stay one step ahead.’
‘If you receive a notification and something doesn’t feel right, lock your account immediately in our app, and verify and report the interaction on the ATO website or by calling 1800 467 033 during business hours to discuss any suspicious activity.’
Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are the protective features in the app. The ATO app now includes new security features designed to help you stay protected, such as:
- Real-time messages when changes are made to your ATO record.
- Quick account locking when you receive a real-time message to prevent unauthorised access or fraudulent refunds.
These features provide peace of mind knowing your account is protected and you remain in control of your tax affairs anytime, anywhere.
The ATO works closely with the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), which operates under the ACCC, to protect Australian’s identity information from scams through awareness and education that focuses on three simple steps – stop, check, protect. This partnership strengthens our ability to detect and respond to scam threats, especially during peak periods like tax time.
Quotes attributable to ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe
‘If you receive an unsolicited contact claiming to be from the ATO and offering any of these options, it’s very likely a scam. Scammers may also use spoofed phone numbers, fake caller IDs, and convincing email templates to appear legitimate.’
‘Don’t let scammers pressure you. We urge all Australians to ‘stop, check and protect’ before reacting to an unexpected call or message and keep front of mind that the ATO and myGov do not use links in their messages.’
Fraudsters and scammers plan on you being distracted and thrive on weak security. Your first line of defence is the ATO app, followed by:
- Using a digital ID like myID to securely access online services. It’s unique to you and helps protect you from identity theft and fraud across platforms like tax, education, and government services.
- Knowing how to spot and report scams impersonating the ATO. It only takes a few seconds to stop and check an interaction is legitimate. Remember, the ATO will never send you a link asking for your personal information or for you to log into online services.
- Turning on multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Using strong and unique passwords or passphrases.
- Keeping your devices and software updated to block the latest threats.
And most importantly, never share your TFN, myGov login, or bank details even in private messages or emails. These are keys to your identity.
If you’ve received a suspicious call, SMS, email or social media message:
- Visit verify or report a scam to check or report it.
- If you’ve shared personal information or paid a scammer, call the ATO immediately on 1800 008 540.
- Find out more at ato.gov.au/scamsafe.
ENDS
Notes to journalists
- A high-resolution headshot of ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson is available for download from our media centre.
- ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.
Contact details:
[email protected] | 02 6216 1901