Archived News

06 July – ATO warns of scam emails

Every year criminals use tax time as a means to commit fraud by submitting fraudulent tax claims or by scamming the public into divulging personal details.

This year, the scams are more sophisticated than ever before.

Fraudsters have created emails that include the ATO logo and links to the real ATO website to make them appear authentic. The ATO has advised that the topic of the emails is generally an offer of online tax returns and they lure users with subject lines and key words such as ‘the benefits of e-tax’, eligibility requirements’ and ‘click here to get tax refund’.

Once the bait has been taken, the scams try to entice users to give away personal information including online banking details and password, claiming they are required to process their refund. Some emails include links to fake but very realistic web pages designed to look and feel like the authentic e-tax website (see attached document with examples). In both scenarios victims are at risk of having their bank accounts compromised and their identity stolen to commit other fraud.

The ATO has said the public should be alert to potential email or phone scams or suspicious door knockers. Suspicious activity can be reported to the tax office on 13 28 61. "While we may occasionally send you emails or SMS text messages promoting new products or services we will never ask for your personal information such as credit card details, online banking details, TFN, your date of birth or passwords," the ATO said.

Abacus Fraud and Financial Crimes has seen a marked increase in phishing emails that purport to come from the ATO but are really designed to steal people’s banking details and passwords.

The fraud monitoring agency advise that people can avoid being targeted by these attacks by keeping their browser, security and spam filter software up-to-date, never clicking on links contained in unsolicited emails and by being suspicious of any requests to enter account names, passwords and other confidential information.

Any member who believes their personal banking details have been compromised should call QConnect on 1800 753 377 immediately.

For more information about these types of scams visit the ATO website and search "Online Security".