Where there is opportunity there are opportunists, scammers are always on the lookout for the next victim. With tax time looming the ATO have released a notification on how to spot a scammer, in most cases calls and emails:
- are unsolicited
- are pushy and can be intimidating, threatening arrests or penalties if payment for an unknown tax debt is not made immediately
- demand payment in full and in some instances via unconventional means such as iTunes cards, cash transfers or gift vouchers
- ask you for your personal or financial information or to confirm information they pretend they have
- are often poorly worded, containing spelling and grammatical mistakes
- may promise you a tax refund in exchange for a payment or personal information
- may contain an attachment or fake links requesting you to lodge a form – opening these attachments or links can cause you to download spyware or a virus.
So what can you do?
It’s important to remember that by engaging a Registered Tax Agent such as HQB Chartered Accountants, all calls from the ATO would filter through us. With that being said if you are the recipient of a call or email, please notify your Tax Agent or the ATO immediately. The ATO have a dedicated scam reporting line.
For phone call scams:
- hang up immediately
- call the dedicated scam reporting line 1800 008 540 between 8am–6pm EST, Monday to Friday.
For Email scams:
- refrain from clicking on links or opening attachments
- forward the email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au
For more information from the ATO, click here.
