Beware: Tax Time Scams Surge as ATO Impersonations Triple

• tax-scams
• ATO-impersonation
• identity-theft

Scammers are ramping up attacks during tax season in Australia. Learn how to protect your identity, avoid fraud, and safeguard your tax refund.

Tax Time Scams Are on the Rise in Australia

Tax season is back, and while many Australians look forward to a refund, scammers see it as an opportunity. Each year, cybercriminals ramp up their tactics during the end-of-financial-year rush, preying on stressed or distracted taxpayers.

Shocking Statistics

This year alone, impersonation scams targeting Australians have risen by a staggering 300%. According to Norton’s senior systems engineer, Dean Williams, 22% of those targeted by tax scams fall victim, with the average loss per person reaching $1,537. In severe cases, some individuals have lost up to $15,000.

How These Scams Work

Most scams arrive via text or email, impersonating the ATO or a tax agent. These messages urge recipients to:

• Click a link to check a refund
• Pay a supposed tax debt
• Download a file with "important updates"

They are crafted to create panic—using threats of penalties or arrest to get victims to act quickly. With AI-powered tools, scammers can now create convincing websites that mimic the myGov portal almost perfectly. The only telltale sign is usually a slightly unusual URL.

What’s at Risk?

The most valuable target for scammers is your Tax File Number (TFN). Once they have your TFN, they can:

• Access your ATO account
• Lodge fake tax returns in your name
• Claim refunds you’re entitled to
• Use your identity in long-term fraud

It’s not just your refund at stake—your identity could be compromised for years.

How to Stay Safe

• Pause before clicking: Don’t click on links from messages about your tax return unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.
• Go direct: Visit ato.gov.au manually in your browser or call 1800 806 218 to verify any message.
• Check URLs carefully: Look for subtle errors or unusual characters in website links.
• Protect your TFN: Don’t share it unless it’s necessary and with trusted sources only.
• Use strong passwords: Secure your myGov and ATO accounts with unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Be sceptical of threats: The ATO won’t contact you via social media or demand payment through gift cards or crypto.
• Report scams: If you suspect your information has been compromised, contact the ATO immediately.

Why We’re All at Risk

According to Dean Williams, the main reason people fall for tax scams is simple: urgency. Scammers exploit the stress of tax season to bypass your better judgment. Williams advises, “Slow down, verify every message, and never rush into sharing personal or financial information.”

Stay Vigilant

It might only take a minute to verify a suspicious message—but doing so could save you thousands. Whether you’re expecting a refund or just want peace of mind, protecting your tax identity has never been more important.