Every year, tax time brings a surge in scam activity. Fraudsters often pose as the ATO or other government agencies to trick individuals into revealing personal details, bank information, or even handing over money.
This year alone, the ATO has reported a 300% increase in impersonation email scams compared to the same period last year.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to ensure you are safe, informed and aware this tax time.
How These Scams Work
Scammers may reach out via phone, SMS, email, or even social media. Common tactics include:
- Claiming you’re owed a refund and asking for bank details to “process” it
- Threatening arrest or legal action over a fake tax debt
- Asking you to click on a link or open an attachment
- Pretending to be your accountant, the ATO, or another trusted organisation
These messages are designed to trigger urgency or fear, so you act quickly without thinking.
Watch Out For The Warning Signs
- Unexpected contact claiming to be from the ATO asking for sensitive details
- Demands for payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
- Poor grammar in written messages, odd phrasing, or suspicious links
- A caller ID that appears legitimate, but the interaction feels “off”
An Example Of A Scam Email
From: ATO Refund Services [email protected]
Subject: Important: You Are Eligible for a Tax Refund
Dear Taxpayer,
We have reviewed your tax records and determined you’re eligible for a refund of $1,348.52.
Please confirm your details via the secure link below:
👉 Claim My Refund Now
Respond within 48 hours to avoid cancellation.
Kind regards,
Australian Taxation Office
Note: The Red Flags
- A fake domain name (not from ato.gov.au)
- A generic greeting like “Dear Taxpayer”
- A false sense of urgency (48 hours)
- A suspicious link asking for personal or financial details
If you receive something like this, don’t click and don’t respond. Report it to Scamwatch and the ATO, and always check with us first before taking any further action.
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
- Avoid clicking on links in unexpected ATO messages
- Never share personal or banking details without verifying the request
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
- Confirm with your accountant or contact the ATO directly through official channels
We’re Here To Help
When you lodge your return through a registered accountant, you benefit from an added layer of protection. We understand how the ATO communicates—and what they won’t ask you to do.
Stay scam-aware, stay safe, and as always, let us take care of your tax with confidence.
