Tax time may be over, but some scammers are just getting started. Stay vigilant and warn your friends, family and clients so they don’t get tricked into paying a fake debt.
Be aware of fake phone calls!
Be suspicious if someone contacts you demanding payment. Remember, ATO would never request the payment of a debt via prepaid gift cards, use aggressive behaviour, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation. These are typical scammer tactics!
From what we have witnessed, the threats being receiving from scammers are a mixture of the below:
“We are the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or Australian Federal Police (AFP) and require immediate information (or) payment, otherwise we will initiate audit activity (or) litigation.”
These calls are in line with the ATO October scam alerts. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and phone ATO's scam hotline on 1800008540.
This article is intended to provide general information only, and is not to be regarded as legal or financial advice. The content is based on current facts, circumstances, and assumptions, and its accuracy may be affected by changes in laws, regulations, or market conditions. Accordingly, neither Azure Group Pty Ltd nor any member or employee of Azure Group or associated entities, undertakes responsibility arising in any way whatsoever to any persons in respect of this alert or any error or omissions herein, arising through negligence or otherwise howsoever caused. Readers are advised to consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to their situation before taking any action.