The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned of a rising trend in phone scams impersonating ATO and Australian Federal Police personnel.
According to an update on the ATO’s scam alerts page, there has been an increase in reports of criminals pretending to be from the ATO and demanding payments by unusual methods.
They include requesting people to set up and authorise cardless cash ATM withdrawals, or send retail gift cards that can be redeemed at stores like JB Hi-Fi, Myer and Woolworths.
The ATO has also seen an uptick in demands for payment to be made via a courier who will be sent to collect the money, as well as orders for cash to be exchanged at a public location.
Targets are being intimidated into agreeing to making payments by phone scammers who claim that the person’s tax file number has been suspended or compromised due to money laundering or other illegal activity.
The ATO regularly updates its scam alerts page to keep the Australian public informed of criminal strategies for extracting money. With this latest report, the agency reminded taxpayers once again that the real ATO will never demand payment by unorthodox methods. Tax debts can only be paid via certain secure services outlined on the ATO’s website.
The Tax Office encouraged anyone who is unsure of the genuine nature of a phone call or message they have received from a source claiming to be from the ATO to phone 1800 008 540 to check.
Anyone who has fallen victim to a scam should contact their financial institution immediately, as the ATO advises banks may, in some instances, be able to stop a transaction or close an account if a scammer has gained access. Victims of scams should also report the incident to the local police.
