The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is Australia’s governmental tax entity.
About ATO scam texts, emails and phone calls
ATO scams are typically related to tax issues. This will include threats surrounding “unpaid tax”, or promises of tax rebates and tax relief. Such scams can also claim a person’s TFN (Tax File Number) has been suspended or compromised. These are orchestrated through unsolicited phone calls, text messages, emails and over social media.
ATO scam text messages & emails
Typically scam texts or emails claiming to come from the Australian Taxation Office will try and trick a recipient into downloading harmful files or clicking a link and entering sensitive information about themselves on a spoof website. Such scams promise tax rebates or threaten fines for unpaid tax. An example of such a scam text is below.
An email version of this scam is below.
ATO scam phone calls
Scammers can also impersonate the ATO over the phone as well. They are often threatening in nature and may be pre-recorded messages or a live person over the phone. Such scams can take on the following guises –
- The recipient has not paid enough tax or provided incorrect information and faces punitive action such as fines or arrest if this is not resolved.
- The recipient’s TFN number has been compromised or suspended due to suspicious activity.
- The recipient’s bank account has been compromised and they need to move their money into a “safe” bank account.
Such scam calls are usually designed to trick a recipient into giving away personal information about themselves over the phone. And in the last point above the scam is designed to panic a recipient into moving their money to another bank account, which will actually belong to criminals.
Report an ATO phone, text and email scam.
If you believe your financial details have been compromised because of an ATO scam, you need to contact your financial institution (bank, card issuer) straight away.
How to report an ATO scam text?
The ATO recommends that you take a screenshot of the text message and send it to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au.
How to report an HMRC scam email?
The ATO recommends you forward the email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au.
How to report an ATO scam phone call?
You can report a phone scam to the ATO on their number 1800 008 540. You can also report it via their website form here.
If you're in Australia, you can ALSO report scams...
All phone, text and email scams in Australia can be reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also known as ScamWatch. You will need to fill out an online form which you can access here.
You can report spam to the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Scam texts can be forwarded to 0429 999 888 (standard charges apply) and scam emails can be forwarded to report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au
If you're in the UK, you can ALSO report scams...
- Scam emails can be forwarded to The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at report@phishing.gov.uk
- Scam texts can be forwarded to your phone carrier on 7726
- All types of cybercrime and fraud can be reported to the police via ActionFraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (or 101 in Scotland) or by using ActionFraud's online reporting tool here.
If you're in the USA, you can ALSO report scams...
- Scam texts can be forwarded to your phone carrier on 7726
- All types of cybercrime and fraud can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by using their complaint assistant here or by calling 1-877-382-4357 (9am-8pm ET)
From a different country? Click here.
You can also forward SMS or email scams to us at scam@thatsfake.com
Avoiding ATO phone, text and email scams
The following advice should protect potential victims from the majority of ATO related scams.
- Never click on links in text messages or emails purporting to come from the Australian Taxation Office.
- Never open attachments in emails purporting to come from the Australian Taxation Office.
- Never give away personal information during an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to represent the ATO. Always call back using a phone number on your paperwork or from the ATO’s website.
- Do not send personal information using SMS or email. The ATO will never ask you to do this.
- Never respond to any phone call threatening you with arrest. Don’t call back on any phone number provided or press a number on your keypad.
- Never move your money to a “safe” bank account. The ATO will never you to do this, nor will any other legitimate entity including your bank.
- Do not respond to pre-recorded messages. The ATO will not send you unsolicited pre-recorded messages.
- Never pay your tax bill or any associated fines via money wire services like Western Union, sending cash via couriers or through gift card vouchers. These are techniques used by scammers.
You can see more information on ATO themed scams on their website here.