ATO impersonation scams

The ATO is warning clients about ATO impersonation scams as tax season approaches.

ATO impersonation email scam reports have increased by over 300% since the same time last year.

Scammers take advantage of taxpayers as the financial year ends by sending fake messages purporting to be the ATO to try to steal contact details and personal information.

Three steps to protect against scammers:

1. Stop: Never share your MyID or ATO online services login. Only share personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or bank account details, if you trust the person and they genuinely need them. If in doubt, don’t disclose anything.

2. Check: Take a moment to check. Ask yourself if it could be fake? Is it really the ATO? If a link or QR code is directing you to provide information or to log into an online portal don’t click on it.

3. Protect: If something doesn’t feel right or you notice unusual activity, act quickly.

The ATO is also reminding taxpayers that while they may send SMS texts or emails asking you to contact them, they will never send unsolicited messages with links asking for personal information or to login to online services. Further, the ATO will never use social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn) to request personal information, documentation or for payments.