The Newest ATO Phone Scam – And How To Avoid It

THE NEWEST PHONE SCAM

Watch out for this one!

With everyone working hard towards their goals in the New Year, scammers are also working around the clock to take your hard earned money. They’re particularly active this time of year as people are less suspicious, so keep your wits about you!

This year, scammers have been calling claiming to be from the ATO. The scam starts off with a robo call, with the scammers actually claiming to be the ones helping protect your money.
So here’s a list of the top hints to avoid giving away your money.

Hint #1
The ATO will never suspend your Tax File Number.

The way that Tax File Numbers work, it doesn’t make any sense to suspend it. If they think you have fraudulent activity, they will directly contact you. How can you be sure it’s them when this happens?

Hint #2
The ATO doesn’t use recorded messages.

If you pick up the phone and it’s a robotic voice telling you that the ATO wants to suspend your TFN, then it is a scam. The ATO is not an automated service, and will not ever use recorded messages.

Hint #3
The ATO will never require you to transfer your money somewhere for ‘safe keeping’.

The ATO can’t access your bank accounts to take money out of them via your TFN.

Hint #4
Any real issues with the ATO will be available on you MyGov account.

Your MyGov account is your completely sure-fire way to know if the ATO wants something from you. If you log into you MyGov account, and go to the ATO extension you can see any correspondence from them. If they need anything from you, it will be there.

So in summary: If you’re in doubt, check the ATO tab in your MyGov account!

It only takes a single lapse of judgement so please be mindful and aware of these signs!

If you want to read more about this scam, please see this article from The Age: https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/new-phone-scam-impersonates-the-ato,-claims-your-tax-file-numbe/13180694