For employees, sole contractors, and business owners, hiring a trusted accountant can be invaluable. Whether you work with the best tax agent Melbourne has to offer or a top accountant in Cairns, these professionals can help you manage your obligations, avoid audits, and maximise your tax refund each year.
However, as we increasingly move towards digital platforms for tax-related transactions, the risk of falling prey to tax scams has increased significantly. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using a variety of tactics to trick unsuspecting Australians into revealing sensitive information.
To stay safe from tax scammers and avoid becoming a statistic in 2024, take the following steps:
1. Verify The Contact
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, it’s important to verify their identity. The ATO will never threaten you with immediate arrest or demand payment through unusual methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the tax department directly using the phone number listed on the official ATO website. This is the best way to check if the call was legitimate.
2. Protect Your Personal Information
Your Tax File Number (TFN) is a key target for scammers. Keep it secure, and don’t share it with anyone unless it’s necessary in the course of your employment. Be cautious when providing your TFN online, always checking to ensure the website you’re using is secure and legitimate. Finally, keep in mind that the Australian Taxation Office will never ask for your TFN via email or text message.
3. Be Aware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing is a common tactic used by scammers. They send emails or text messages pretending to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), asking you to update or verify your details. Remember, the ATO will never send an email or text message asking you to provide personal information or to click on a link to log in to your account.
4. Stay Updated on Scam Trends
Scammers are always evolving their tactics. Stay updated on the latest scam trends by regularly checking the ATO’s scam alerts. This will help you identify and avoid falling for new scam techniques.
If you feel like you’re really not up to speed with scams and cyber attacks, you may even want to subscribe to the ATO’s official newsletter and follow their social media channels. This will give you real-time updates that can help you avoid falling for the latest tactics.
Another way to keep yourself up to date is to participate in community forums and discussions about tax scams. This allows you to learn from others’ experiences. Knowledge is your best defence against these evolving threats. So stay informed to stay safe.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the ATO and Scamwatch immediately. Your report can help protect others in the community from falling victim to the same scam.
Document all relevant information about the suspected scam. This includes the method of contact, the scammer’s purported identity, and any communication you’ve had with them. If possible, save emails or take screenshots as evidence. This information can greatly assist officials in their investigations and in preventing future scams.
Staying safe from tax scams requires vigilance and awareness. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your hard-earned money from scammers. Remember, when it comes to your personal information, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
