Scammers Impersonating the ATO

Scammers are particularly active at this time of year because people are expecting the outcome of their tax return. Over the past year we have seen an increased number of reports of scammers contacting members of the public pretending to be from the ATO by phone, email and SMS.

• The ATO will never send you an email or text with a hyperlink directing you to a page to collect personal or financial information. Always access online services through the official app or website.
• Know your tax affairs – you can log into ATO online services through myGov to check your tax affairs at any time, or you can contact your tax agent or the ATO.
• If you’re unsure about whether a call, text message or email is genuine, don’t reply. Call the ATO's dedicated scam hotline on 1800 008 540.
• Know legitimate ways to make payments - scammers may use threatening tactics to trick their victims into paying false debts in pre-paid gift cards or by sending money to non-ATO bank accounts. To check that a payment method is legitimate, visit ato.gov.au/howtopay.

To see more alerts and more information from the ATO, please visit: ato.gov.au/scams.