The Antiscam Guide: Unmasking Tax Scams

The internet has revolutionised many facets of our lives, but it has also opened up new opportunities for fraudsters. One such scheme that has seen a rise in recent years is the tax scam. This article seeks to shed light on the sophisticated tactics used by scammers, with a special focus on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) impersonation scams.

Understanding the Threat

Over the past few months, the ATO has flagged an alarming increase in the number of scam reports, more than 4,600 scams in just two months. These scams are becoming increasingly intricate, utilizing social media, text messages, emails, and even phone calls to pose as the ATO.

Exposing the Scammers: A Real-Life Example

To truly grasp the severity of the situation, let's look at a particular case. An elderly woman, not tech-savvy but uses her phone to access government services, threw away her old phone without resetting it. Scammers seized this opportunity, accessed her account, and fraudulently claimed a substantial amount from the ATO.

A Rising Trend

The growing number of ATO impersonation scams is concerning. The 4,600 scams reported in July and August mark a significant increase from the 2,588 reports during the same period the previous year.

Breaking Down the Scams

According to ATO assistant commissioner Tim Loh, there are three primary scams currently on the ATO's radar. These scams primarily rely on gaining access to a person's myGov account, likening it to "giving away the keys to your house to a stranger."

Text and Email Scams

Scam text messages and emails usually contain a hyperlink to a fake myGov website. The best defence against these scams is to avoid clicking the links and instead, visit the website directly through your browser.

Phone Call Scams

Telephone scams involve fraudsters impersonating ATO agents. There are several telltale signs of such scams, like an unknown number appearing on your phone, threats of jail time, or automated messages instead of a real person.

Social Media Scams

Scammers are also taking advantage of social media platforms. They pretend to be ATO representatives and ask for personal information, like tax file numbers and bank account details, through direct messages.

Take Action

If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, it's crucial to act swiftly. First, contact your bank to secure your account. Next, reach out to the ATO through their dedicated scam hotline. This will allow them to investigate and also alert others about potential scams.

Staying Vigilant

Remember, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Stay vigilant, and don't let your guard down. If something seems suspicious, it probably is. Always double-check and verify before providing any sensitive information.