How to Avoid ATO Scams
Scams impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are becoming increasingly sophisticated. From fake phone calls and text messages to emails that look almost identical to official ATO correspondence, it can be difficult to tell what’s real and what’s not. We want to help you stay protected during the holiday season.
Below are some ways to identify potential ATO scams and the steps to take if you believe your information or money has been compromised.
Common Signs of an ATO Scam
Messages or Emails Containing Suspicious Links
Scammers often send emails or text messages that look professional but direct you to fake websites designed to steal your information.
If the link looks unusual or the message feels overly urgent or threatening, it’s best to ignore it.
Official ATO email correspondence will end in .gov.au. Always check the sender’s email address.
Remember that genuine ATO communication will always appear in your official MyGov inbox or directly from Proctor Major.
Do not click on any links.
Unexpected Contact Requesting Payment
The ATO will never demand immediate action or threaten arrest, legal consequences or suspension of your tax file number to pressure you into paying immediately.
They also won’t ask for unusual forms of payment like gift cards, cryptocurrency or pre paid debit cards.
If a call or message feels urgent or aggressive, it’s likely a scam.
If you have outstanding debts with the ATO, please contact us to confirm. We can check this for you.
Incorrect Spelling & Grammar
Scammers also tend to use poor grammar, unusual wording or incorrect spelling.
Messages may sound unnatural, be written strangely or contain obvious mistakes.
While not all scams have errors, high quality communication from the ATO is usually clear, professional and free from spelling issues.
If the wording seems off, take it as a red flag.
Requests for Personal Information
The ATO will never request sensitive information such as bank PINs, passwords or identity documents through email, SMS or unexpected calls.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s safer to hang up or ignore the message and contact the ATO directly using the official phone number listed on their website.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you believe you have been caught in a scam, cease all contact with the individual or organisation immediately.
Contact the ATO Fraud Team on 1300 467 033.
To assist them in verifying your identity, you will need to provide a document reference number. I have included an example below with the reference number highlighted in yellow.
If any funds may have been transferred, contact your financial institution straight away to report the incident and request that they take appropriate action.
It is also important to update your passwords as soon as possible, particularly for MyGov, your email accounts, banking applications and any accounting software you use.
ATO scams can happen to anyone, but staying alert and knowing the signs can make a big difference.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, whether it’s the tone, the spelling or the urgency, trust your instincts and check before acting.