The ATO has provided tell-tale signs on how to identify and protect yourselves from tax scammers as fraudsters take advantage of the COVID-19 fears.
Look out for these tell-tale signs of tax scams if you get a suspicious call, message or request.
The Australian Taxation Office will never:
- send an email or SMS with a hyperlink to our online services such as myGov
- request personal identifying information via a return email unless you’ve agreed to engage with us this way
- threaten you with immediate arrest and insist you stay on the line until you make a payment
- prevent you from discussing your tax affairs with your registered tax professional
- request payment of a debt via iTunes, Google Play cards or other vouchers, cryptocurrency, cardless cash transfer, offshore wire transfer or into a bank account not held by the Reserve Bank of Australia
- ask you to pay a fee to receive a refund.
If you’re ever unsure about an ATO communication, do not reply. Phone the ATO scam hotline on 1800 008 540, visit ato.gov.au/scams, or speak to your agent or trusted adviser.
Full article: https://www.ato.gov.au/Newsroom/smallbusiness/General/Tell-tale-signs-of-a-tax-scam/
