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Scam Alert: Verify or Report a Scam
 
 

Scam Alert: Verify or Report a Scam

News | Mehak Gaba | Released: 25/03/2026 | Read: 5 Mins
   

Have you ever encountered a situation where scammers are impersonating the ATO? 

 

The examples below such as fake myGov pages, cloned login screens, or fraudulent SMSF login prompts are designed to look like official ATO communications. Scammers often pose as trusted organisations like the ATO to gain your confidence and access your personal or financial information.

 

This newsletter outlines the guidance provided by the ATO in such situations, including where to report scams and who to contact—helping protect you and prevent others from being scammed in the future.
   
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Spotting ATO Scam Tactics
   

Scam messages and calls often use high-pressure tactics or too-good-to-be-true offers. Watch for warning signs:

  1. Unsolicited Links or QR Codes: Emails or texts asking you to click a link or scan a code to “log in” to your ATO or myGov account are scams. The ATO never sends unsolicited messages with hyperlinks to login pages.
  2. Attachments or Files: Be wary of any unexpected attachments. Scammers use them to install malware. The ATO will never email you a random attachment or send a QR code out of the blue.
  3. Immediate Payment Demands: Phone calls or messages that demand immediate payment or threaten arrest are fraudulent. The ATO will never threaten to arrest you on the spot or demand you pay immediately over the phone. If someone pressures you to “stay on the line” until you pay, hang up.
  4. Unusual Payment Methods: Requests to pay with gift cards (e.g. iTunes, Google Play), cryptocurrency or to a personal bank account are scams. The ATO will only ever accept tax payments via official government channels (e.g. by BSB to the Reserve Bank) – it will never ask for Bitcoin or gift cards.
  5. Requests for Personal Info: Legitimate ATO communications will not ask for your full Tax File Number, login passwords, or credit card/PIN over email or SMS. Never give out TFNs, DOBs, or bank details to an unverified caller or message. (Tip for accountants: remind clients that you, as their tax agent, will never ask them to share their myGov login – the ATO explicitly warns “Never share your myGov sign in details with anyone, including your tax agent.” although it will never ask clients to do this at all.)
Tip for accountants: Remind clients that even registered tax agents should never request myGov login details. The ATO clearly states that these credentials must not be shared with anyone.
   

Verify Before You Reply 
   
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  • Stop and Think: If you’re not sure a communication is genuine, do not reply or click anything. The safest action is to hang up or delete the message.
  • Call the ATO Directly: Independently call the ATO’s official number (1800 008 540) to check. You can quote any reference or officer’s name you were given. The ATO will provide its name and a call-back number if it contacts you. (Remember, legitimate ATO calls do not show a caller ID number – the display will say “No Caller ID.”) Always verify a suspicious caller or message this way.
  • Protect Your Information: Never share login credentials or personal IDs. The ATO will never ask you to email or text your passwords or TFN. If anyone requests this information via email/SMS, treat it as a scam.
   

Reporting Scams
   

1. Email or SMS Scams: Do not click links or open attachments. Forward the entire suspicious email to ReportScams@ato.gov.au (and/or take a screenshot of the SMS and email it to the same address). Then delete the message from all mail folders. If you already paid money or gave personal info in response to an email/SMS scam, call 1800 008 540 at once to report it. Also notify your bank (if you shared financial details or sent money) and file a police report.
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2. Phone Scams: If you did give money or sensitive information over a scam call, immediately call 1800 008 540 and report it. Likewise contact the police and your bank to lodge fraud reports. If you didn’t share anything, you can still report the call online via the ATO’s “Report a scam” form or by phone. Either way, be sure the ATO knows about any impersonation attempt.

 

3. Social Media Scams: Fraudsters may create fake ATO social pages or contact you via social media. The ATO will never DM you or ask for info on social platforms. If you see an impostor account or message, screenshot it and email it to ReportScams@ato.gov.au. Do not respond or click any links.
   

Our Recomendations
   

1. Verify before you respond: If contacted by recoveriescorp, do not respond immediately. Always verify by calling their official number (1300 323 495) as ATO has started using an external debt collection agency again, called recoveriescorp, to help follow up on unpaid tax debts.

 

2. Act immediately if you’ve been scammed

  • Report the matter to your local police
  • Contact your bank or financial institution if you’ve shared account or card details
  • Notify the receiving bank and lodge a fraud report if a payment has been made
3. Protect your personal and financial information
Never share sensitive details such as your TFN, bank details, or login credentials unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.

 

4. Stay informed about evolving scams
Tax scams are becoming more sophisticated, including the use of AI-generated voices and highly convincing fake websites. Regularly check official sources like the ATO website or Scamwatch for updates.
   
   

Join my webinar on 23th April 2026
   

This session explores the key considerations around the segregation of assets between pension and accumulation phases, helping you better understand the rules, associated risks, and practical implications.

 

Cost: $50 

 

CPD: 1 Hour

 

 

Date: 23/04/2026

 

CPD: 1 Hour
   

Visit www.trustdeed.com.au for more details or call us on(02) 9684 4199
   

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