The deadline of October 31 for people preparing their own tax return is fast approaching. Coinciding with the deadline is a sharp spike in tax-related email scams, the ATO has warned.
Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan said that since June, reports from the public of phishing scams have quadrupled compared to the same period last year.
“While the public is reporting scam emails to the ATO in increasing numbers, scammers are also becoming more sophisticated in the way they trick taxpayers into handing over their personal details,” Jordan said.
“We advise people to be vigilant of emails that mimic the ATO’s online publications. Think very carefully before clicking on links and attachments in emails or on social networking sites,” he added.
Key points to remember
- The ATO will never send taxpayers an email asking them to confirm, update or disclose confidential information including their name, date of birth, home address, passwords or credit card details.
- Do not provide your tax file number online unless you are certain about the authenticity of the person requesting it.
- The public are encouraged to report emails purporting to be from the ATO by forwarding the email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au