ATO Email Scam Warning

We are again seeing cases of attempted fraud over the internet.  Recently we have become aware of a scam based on using Taxation refunds as the lure to deceive people.  A press release from the Australian Taxation Office is included below clearly outlines their position.

Tax Office email scam warning

The Tax Office is again warning people to be wary of a fraudulent email being circulated that claims to offer a refund from the Tax Office.

The email fraudulently uses the Tax Office logo, has the words ‘Australian Taxation Office - Notification' or ‘Australian Taxation Office - Please Read This' in the subject line and is similar to another email scam that circulated in March.

The Tax Office is advising people who receive the email to delete it immediately.

The email asks people to click on a link which redirects them to a website that looks similar to the Tax Office website and asks for credit card and personal details in order to receive a refund.

This website is not affiliated with the Tax Office in any way.

Second Commissioner Greg Farr said the Tax Office has notified relevant authorities who are investigating this matter.

"People should always be wary of any unsolicited emails claiming to be from the Tax Office.

"The Tax Office will never send emails to people asking them to provide personal information including credit card details.

"As an extra precaution we recommend you type internet addresses directly into your internet browser rather than clicking on hyperlinks embedded in emails," Mr Farr said.

If people have entered their credit card information on the website, they should contact their credit card provider as soon as possible and report a possible compromise.

As you can see you will not be contacted by the Tax Office by email so if someone sends an email claiming to be from the ATO you can safely ignore it. 

 As always if in doubt you should contact us for help.