Beware of ATO Scams
There is a current scam involving pre-recorded robocalls impersonating the ATO and threatening immediate arrest for an unpaid tax debt. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using technology that allows them to replicate caller IDs, websites and email addresses.
The ATO will never:
issue a pre-recorded message (robocall) to your phone
present a phone number on caller ID
threaten immediate arrest, jail or deportation for unpaid tax debts
demand immediate payment of a tax debt by direct credit to a personal bank account, via iTunes or Google Play cards, pre-paid Visa cards, or cryptocurrency
refuse to allow you to speak with a trusted adviser or tax agent
attempt to keep you on the line until you make a payment.
The best way to protect yourself against these scams is to:
Do not share personal details such as your tax file number, date of birth, credit card or bank details, unless you know that you can trust the person you are dealing with.
Be aware of the status of your tax affairs. You can check this, by contacting the ATO on 1800 467 033.
If you receive one of these calls or a voicemail, hang up or delete it. If you have shared personal information, or have made a payment to a scammer, call the ATO dedicated scam line on 1800 008 540.
