 Verify or report a scam
You should be wary of emails, faxes, SMS and phone calls claiming to be from the ATO and we repeat their warning below.
These could be scams designed to trick you into paying money or providing personal information.
Once they have your information, scammers may use it to:
- access your bank accounts
- take out loans in your name
- lodge false tax returns or BAS statements
- claim Centrelink or other benefits.
If you think you are a victim of a tax-related scam, phone us on 9316 9516 (8.30am–5.00pm, Monday–Friday) or contact the ATO on 1800 008 540(8.00am–6.00pm, Monday–Friday).You should do this as soon as possible.
You should also contact your bank or financial institution if you think a scammer has your credit card details.
The ATO will never:
- threaten you with immediate arrest
- ask you to pay money to receive a refund or payment from us
- ask you to pay a debt via iTunes vouchers, or pre-paid credit card or store gift cards
- ask you to provide personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or credit card number, via email or SMS
- ask you to pay money into a personal bank account.
We have had several clients who have fallen victim to identity scams over the holiday period and urge you to contact us if you require any assistance.
There are also Ponzi scheme operators out there cold calling clients.They entice you to invest just a small amount of money at unrealistic rates of return just to “prove it”.
You will receive those good returns for a few months and then they will convince you that the investment is genuine and suggest you invest more and more.
One day, as soon as they know you have no more to invest, the monthly returns will cease and your money has disappeared.
Do not be fooled by slick talkers and websites.
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