Keep your identity safe this tax time.

In today’s digital world, scammers can quickly change their methods to trick you into handing over your personal information. Here’s what the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says to watch out for to protect your details this tax time.

Ever-changing tactics

In the past, scammers tended to focus on payments and financial transactions.

Now, they’re more likely to want your personal details like your name, address, date of birth, tax file number (TFN) and your myGov login details.

Scammers impersonate trusted organisations, businesses, family, friends and even government organisations, sending messages that look real with official logos and language, all designed to deceive you.

Tax time is scam time

Generally, tax time is when ATO impersonation scams are at their peak.

Scammers take advantage of tax time because people are lodging their tax returns, updating their personal information, expecting to hear from the ATO and anticipating refunds.

They’ll attempt to convince you to click on links, complete online forms or open attachments to obtain your personal information so they can steal your identity and commit fraud in your name.

Tip: beware your inbox

Currently, email is the main channel scammers use to impersonate the ATO. In the last year, the ATO has seen more than a 300% increase in impersonation scams.

The impact of identity theft is significant

Victims may suffer financial loss through refund fraud, theft of their superannuation or difficulty getting a loan due to damaged credit ratings.

There are also psychological impacts, with many individuals experiencing stress and anxiety.

Other important things to know

• Be cautious of any unexpected requests for personal or financial information, especially if they include a sense of urgency.
• Scammers may threaten you with fines, penalties or arrest if you don’t follow their instructions. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO who’s threatening you to pay money to receive a tax refund, hang up.
• If you’ve received a new myGov inbox message notification, don’t click any links or open attachments in the message. Always login to your myGov account directly through your browser to check for tax-related messages. If there’s no message in your myGov account, the notification is probably a scam.
• The ATO maintains a consistent tone and style. Emails with spelling errors, unusual language or requests for sensitive information are probably scams.
• The ATO doesn’t charge a fee for you to apply for a TFN. Aside from your registered tax agent, there’s no need for external help when applying. 
• Check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use display names like ‘Australian Taxation Office’ but with random or similar-looking email addresses.
• The ATO verify or report a scam page provides further information on how to identify, verify, and report scams impersonating the ATO and provides steps to protect your personal information and report incidents safely.

What the ATO will and won’t do

Remember, the ATO:

• may send you an SMS or email asking you to contact them – but will never send a link asking you to reply with personal information or login to online services
• has Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn accounts – but will never use them to ask you to provide personal information, documentation or payment
• recommends using myID to add an extra layer of protection – it’s the most secure way to access ATO online services through myGov.