The ATO is concerned about the number and frequency of email and mobile phone scams that are occurring. These scams claim to come from the ATO and usually offer a tax refund. Generally, they link to a bogus ATO website asking for personal information and credit card details.
The ATO advises that while it may email, SMS message or phone taxpayers, it will never ask for:
– personal details, such as driver’s licence, mother’s maiden name; or
– credit card, including CVN, or bank details.
Where this happens, they advise that taxpayers should not progress with the email, SMS or phone call. If a taxpayer is in doubt about the authenticity of a call that they receive from the ATO, they should contact the ATO on one of its publicly listed numbers to verify the legitimacy of the call.
* * * Disclaimer: The information is sourced from NTAA. * * *
Many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their circumstances.
