It’s tax time and the common scam email informing that you’re eligible for a tax refund is doing the rounds again!

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, so sometimes it can be hard to know whether a message is really from the ATO or a scam.

In 2017, the ATO received over 81,000 reports of scams with $2.3 million reported lost and almost 10,000 people divulging personal information.

Australian Government Releases Warning about Current Tax Scam Email

The email, which has the subject line ‘Important information regarding your account’, includes the myGov logo and claims to be from the myGov team. Instead, the email is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal and financial information.

The form asks for your name and contact details, your myGov password and your credit card number.  After you supply this information and click the ‘Continue’ button, you’ll be automatically redirected to the myGov website. By then it’s too late and the scammer has your details.

The scammers use this information to commit credit card fraud and identity theft.

If you receive an email like this one, do not click any links or open any attachments.

Remember: the ATO and myGov will NEVER send an email or SMS asking you to click on a link and provide login, personal or financial information, download a file or open an attachment.

Tips for Staying Safe

Know the status of your tax affairs. If you are aware of the details of any debts owed, refunds due and lodgements outstanding, you are less likely to fall victim to a scam.

Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid an email scam:

Where to go for more information

• For more tips and information about cyber safety at tax time and where to get help, visit https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/taxtime18
• Follow the ATO on Facebook or Twitter and visit the ATO’s Scam alerts page which provides information on the latest ATO impersonation scams.
• Subscribe to the free Stay Smart Online Alert service for advice on the latest online threats and tips on how to stay safe online.
• Follow Stay Smart Online on Facebook, for simple tips and advice to help you be safe online.