Tax Scams
Protect yourself and stay secure at tax time with our guide. Discover how to spot common scams and what to do if you see something unusual.
What is a Tax scam?
A tax scam is an email, phone call or SMS from someone claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or another government agency like myGov. You might be asked to give your personal details or make a payment and if you refuse, you may be threatened with arrest or legal action. Tax scammers are more prevalent at the end of the financial year.
Remember, be scam aware and never share personal or financial information, security codes or give anyone access to your devices.
Common tax scams
Tax refund
An 'ATO' refund that requires you to share personal or financial information.
Tax owed
Threats of arrest or a fine if you don't pay the scammers' tax demands.
TFN and ABN
Messages asking for your Australian Business Number (ABN) or Tax File Number (TFN).
ATO impersonator
Scammers on social media offering to help with tax and super questions.
How to spot a tax scam
Threats and urgency
Scammers put pressure on you to share personal details or pay immediately. The ATO won't do this, so hang up and contact the ATO on an independently sourced numbers from the genuine website.
Pretending to be trustworthy
Don't click on links sent via SMS or email that take you to the ATO or other government websites. Always go to the website or app directly and check for messages.
Unusual payments
If you are asked to pay using cryptocurrency, wire transfer, gift cards or to accounts other than the ATO, stay alert, this will be a scam.*
Poor grammar and spelling
Look out for SMS or emails with poor grammar and spelling and check emails, links and phone numbers are legitimate.
*Note: The ATO account details are pre-populated in your Online Banking payee list. Always use this, or payment details listed on an official letter, if you ever need to pay the ATO.
Don’t fall for phishing scams
Phishing emails and SMS impersonating the ATO or myGov are a common tax scam. Be wary of messages that state you are due a refund but your details need updating or that you owe the ATO and need to pay immediately.
These messages often include links that take you to fake websites that are designed to disclose your information. Always sign into your myGov or bank account directly through the App or website to check your messages.
What to do if you suspect a scam
1. Let us know
Please report scams or unusual activity immediately. Check out our how to report page to find out how.
2. Contact the ATO
You can also contact the Australian Tax Office on 1800 008 540, go to their Verify or report a scam page, or email them at ReportScams@ato.gov.au.
3. Stay up-to-date
Keep up to date on scams by subscribing to the government's scam email alerts from scamwatch.gov.au/subscribe.
Important
Australian government agencies will never threaten you with immediate arrest, demand immediate payment through unusual means over the phone, or send you links to log in or update details for your government account (MyGov, Service Australia). If in doubt, contact your tax agent or the ATO via an independently sourced number.
Remember – never share your passwords or security codes with anyone.
Latest scams
To stay in the loop, and stay protected, check out our list of the latest phishing scams impersonating Westpac.
Report a scam
If you receive any unusual calls, emails or SMS, or notice unusual activity on your account, it’s important that you let us know.
How scammers work
Scammers constantly evolve their approach. They use different tactics to gain access to your data and personal information. Explore all scams and keep up-to-date.