AI-Powered Scams Set to Make Tax Time 2025 the Riskiest Yet

• AI-scams
• ATO-impersonation
• cybersecurity

Hyperrealism, deepfakes, and fake tax agents—how AI is powering a new wave of tax scams in Australia. Learn how to spot and protect yourself from the latest threats.

AI Scams to Dominate Tax Season 2025

As the 2025 tax season ramps up, Australians face an unprecedented rise in cyber threats—powered by artificial intelligence. Experts are warning that even seasoned cybersecurity professionals are struggling to spot today’s scams, which now include deepfake voices, hyperrealistic phishing emails, and AI-generated tax agents.

A New Breed of Scams

According to cybersecurity specialist Jacqueline Jayne, AI is making scams far more convincing by leveraging personal data from social media and online behaviour. In April alone, 6189 ATO impersonation scams were reported. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) confirms a 300% increase in impersonation email scams compared to last year.

What to Watch For in 2025

• Hyperrealistic phishing emails: Crafted using AI to mimic ATO communications with startling accuracy.
• Deepfake voice calls: Scammers clone the voices of ATO reps, banks, or even your accountant.
• Fake help desks: AI chatbots posing as real tax support agents on counterfeit websites.
• Bogus tax professionals: AI-generated ads and profiles promoting fake bookkeepers and agents.
• Personalised SMS messages: AI-powered texts that mimic legitimate tax notifications.

Why These Scams Are So Effective

The 2025 Cyber Trends Report from cybersecurity platform SoSafe warns that scammers are outpacing business defences. Instead of targeting companies directly, they’re going after individuals through social engineering tactics that use real personal data to establish trust and urgency.

“Hackers are targeting people’s personal devices and achieving financial success through smaller, widespread attacks,” the report notes.

CPA Australia Sounds the Alarm

CPA Australia tax lead Jenny Wong says the next few weeks will bring a flood of scam attempts. Many arrive early in the morning when people are more vulnerable to acting impulsively. “These messages often create a sense of urgency or promise significant refunds,” she said.

Ms Wong reminds Australians: the ATO will never include hyperlinks in unsolicited emails or texts. Watch out for poor grammar and odd phrasing—classic signs of fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

• Use a password manager: Never reuse passwords across accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Keep your software up to date: Updates patch security holes scammers exploit.
• Stay sceptical: If a message evokes fear, urgency, or doubt, stop and verify.
• Verify contact legitimacy: Call the ATO on 1800 008 540 or visit their scam page to confirm any suspicious messages.

Final Thought

AI-powered scams are evolving rapidly, making education alone insufficient. While vigilance is essential, the best defence is layered security, healthy scepticism, and direct verification through official channels. Tax time 2025 will test your digital defences—make sure you're ready.