Scam Alert: ATO Fraud

Recently we have become aware of scam activity relating to the Australia Taxation Office and Federal Police. Typically the scam is in the form of a phone call, text message or email, where the scammers impersonate the ATO requesting payment of an outstanding tax debt. 

To avoid being caught out by this scam please remember the following:

• The ATO will never be abusive or threatening and will not threaten jail time as first notice of any debt.
• The ATO will not stay on the line while you go to the post office, bank or any shops to make payment.
• The ATO will never ask you for payment to a account that is not held with the reserve bank or ask you to pay using gift cards like Apple, Google play, payment methods generally are post office, bPay or Direct Debit.
• The ATO always informs you before the debt is due.

If you receive a call, text or email that you think may be fraudulent please hang up or delete the message. If you unknowingly provide information, such as your bank, tax file number or any other details, please contact your accountant immediately and inform them.

Most importantly only ever provide details to those who you trust and always talk to your accountant or adviser before paying a debt if it’s unusual or outside the ordinary.

To view a list of the latest tax scams visit the ATO website.

DISCLAIMER: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.