As tax season approaches, scammers are ramping up their efforts to target unsuspecting Australians with various tax-related scams. Here are the top four tax scams to watch out for:
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve scammers impersonating legitimate organizations like the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or myGov through emails, SMS, or phone calls. They may claim you have an outstanding debt or are owed a tax refund, and provide a link to a fake website designed to steal your personal and financial information.[1][2][4]
The ATO will never send unsolicited emails or SMS with hyperlinks to log into their services, nor will they ask for passwords, account numbers, or personal data via unsolicited communications.[1]
2. Robocalls and Impersonation Scams
Scammers may use robocalls or live callers pretending to be from the ATO, threatening immediate arrest or demanding payment for alleged tax debts. They may also claim to be from other government agencies like the Australian Federal Police or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).[1][3]
The ATO will never threaten immediate arrest or demand payment over the phone.[1]
3. Tax Agent Impersonation Scams
In these scams, fraudsters impersonate registered tax agents or accountants, offering to help with tax returns or claiming you are owed a refund. They may request personal information or upfront fees for their "services."[3]
Always verify the credentials of any tax agent or accountant you deal with and never provide sensitive information or make payments without confirming their legitimacy.
4. Cryptocurrency Investment Scams
Scammers may claim to be from the ATO or other government agencies, offering tax relief or incentives for investing in cryptocurrency or other investment schemes. These are often elaborate scams designed to steal your money.[3]
The ATO will never endorse or recommend any specific investments or investment schemes.
To protect yourself, always be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from the ATO or other government agencies. Never click on links or provide personal information unless you have independently verified the source. If in doubt, contact the ATO or government departments directly using their official contact details.[1][2][3]
If you have any questions or require any more information please do not hesitate to contact your Client Manager or one of the Sullivan Dewing team.
Citations:
[5] https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2023/07/commbank-customers-stay-alert-tax-scams.html
Comments