While you are being supported through the COVID-19 environment, scammers are trying to steal your money or identity while you’re most vulnerable.

Look out for these tell-tale signs of tax scams if you get a suspicious call, message or request.

The ATO will never:

• send an email or SMS with a hyperlink to online services such as myGov
• request personal identifying information via a return email unless you've agreed to engage with ATO this way
• threaten you with immediate arrest and insist you stay on the line until you make a payment
• prevent you from discussing your tax affairs with your registered tax professional
• request payment of a debt via iTunes, Google Play cards or other vouchers, cryptocurrency, cardless cash transfer, offshore wire transfer or into a bank account not held by the Reserve Bank of Australia
• ask you to pay a fee to receive a refund.

The ATO is aware of a significant increase in Australians being targeted with COVID-19 scams, fraud attempts and deceptive email and SMS schemes.

The ATO will communicate with you via SMS and email if you have applied for the JobKeeper payment, or early release of superannuation. However, if you’re unsure whether an ATO interaction is genuine, do not reply. If you receive an SMS or email claiming to be from the ATO, check with the ATO first to confirm it's genuine.

The ATO are working with other government agencies to combat COVID-themed scams and minimise harm to the community.

During this time of heightened scam activity, individuals and businesses are encouraged to:

• run the latest software updates to ensure operating systems security is current
• update antivirus software
• always exercise caution when clicking on links and providing personal identifying information.
• always avoid accessing online government services via a hyperlink in an email or SMS – only via an independent search
• call the ATO on an independently sourced number to verify an interaction if in doubt
• educate your staff on scam awareness.

If you’re ever unsure about an ATO communication, do not reply. Phone the ATO scam hotline on 1800 008 540, visit ato.gov.au/scams, or give us a call to discuss.