ATO alert: How to keep your $1,537 safe from tax scammers

Tax time is upon us again, and while many Australians eagerly anticipate a welcome refund, there’s a darker side to the end-of-financial-year rush that’s never been more important to watch out for. 

As millions prepare to lodge their tax returns, scammers sharpen their tricks, hoping to catch unsuspecting Aussies off guard—and the consequences can be costly. 

According to cybersecurity heavyweight Norton, nearly one in three Australians has been targeted by a scam this year. 

Even more alarming, 22 per cent of those targeted have fallen victim, with the average loss sitting at a hefty $1,537. Some unfortunate individuals have lost as much as $15,000. 

Dean Williams, Norton’s senior systems engineer, explained: ‘Scammers know Australians are already on edge during tax time and are often expecting official communications, whether it’s from the ATO, a tax agent, or a service provider. That’s what makes it so easy to get caught off guard.’

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reported a staggering 300 per cent increase in impersonation scams compared to last year. 

These scams often arrive as text messages or emails, supposedly from the ATO or even your accountant, urging you to click a link, pay a debt, or download a file. 

The messages are designed to create a sense of urgency—’Pay now or face penalties!’—making it all too easy to react without thinking.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, scam messages are becoming more convincing than ever. Some fake websites, except for a slightly dodgy URL, are almost indistinguishable from the real myGov portal. 

While the ATO does have a presence on social media, they will never use these platforms to contact you directly about important matters.

What’s at stake?

One of the most valuable information for scammers is your tax file number (TFN). If they get their hands on it, they can access your ATO account, impersonate you, and even lodge fraudulent tax returns or claim refunds in your name. 

The risks go beyond losing money—your identity could be misused for years. So, how can you protect yourself and your hard-earned refund? Here are some practical tips:

• Pause before you click: If you receive a message or email about your tax return, don’t click on any links unless you’re sure it’s legitimate. When in doubt, go directly to the official ATO website or contact them by phone (1800 806 218).
• Check the URL: Scam websites can look identical to the real thing. Always check the web address carefully—if it looks suspicious, it probably is.
• Protect your TFN: Never share your TFN unless you know who you deal with. Shred any documents containing personal information before throwing them out.
• Strengthen your security: Use strong, unique passwords for your myGov and ATO accounts, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Verify urgent requests: The ATO will never threaten you with immediate arrest or demand payment via unusual methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Report suspicious activity: If you think your TFN or other personal information has been compromised, contact the ATO immediately.

Why we’re all vulnerable—and how to beat the scammers

Williams said the main reason people fall for these scams is simple: they react too quickly. 

‘Tax time is already a stressful period for many Australians, and scammers exploit that urgency to catch people off guard. Our advice is simple: slow down, verify every message, and never rush into sharing personal or financial information.’

It only takes a few minutes to double-check a suspicious message, but it could save you thousands—and a lot of heartache.

Have you received a suspicious message or email this tax season? Did you spot a scam before it was too late, or have you been caught out in the past? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help someone else avoid a costly mistake.

Also read: A new $8,000 ATO boost is hitting the Medicare Levy Surcharge soon!