Avoid Scams: Spot Fake ATO SMS

Beware of the SMS messages you receive!

In Australia, many taxpayers eagerly await their tax return. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are also aware of this. As a result, they take advantage of the season to steal personal information through scams known as smishing (fake SMS messages). In this article, we explain how to identify these fraudulent messages and what to do if you receive one.

What is smishing?

Smishing is a fraud technique in which scammers send text messages posing as legitimate entities, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Typically, these SMS messages include fake links leading to websites designed to steal personal data, such as your Tax File Number (TFN), login credentials, or banking details. Therefore, it is crucial to identify these scams before falling victim to them.

How to identify a fake ATO SMS?

While some legitimate ATO messages may be sent via SMS, they will never ask you to enter personal information through a link. Here are some warning signs to spot fraudulent messages:
– Suspicious number: SMS messages may come from unknown or international numbers.
– Grammatical and spelling errors: Many fraudulent messages contain errors that reveal their suspicious origin.
– Shortened or strange links: If the message asks you to click on a link, verify its authenticity before accessing it.
– Urgency or threats: Messages claiming that your account will be suspended or that you have outstanding debts may indicate fraud.
– Requests for personal information or payments: The ATO will never ask for personal details or payments via SMS.

Common SMS Scams Targeting Taxpayers

Some of the most frequent scams include messages stating:

You are eligible for a tax refund. Click here to claim your payment.
The ATO has detected a debt on your account. Avoid penalties by paying here.
Your MyGov account has been locked. Restore it by accessing this link.

What to Do If You Receive a Fraudulent SMS

If you receive a suspicious SMS, follow these steps to stay safe:
1. First: Do not click on the link or reply to the message.
2. Next: verify directly with the ATO by visiting their official website.
3. Then: Report the message on the ATO’s scam page.
4. After that, block the number and delete the message.
5. Finally, if you provided personal details, act quickly by changing your passwords and contacting your bank.

What happens if the ATO detects suspicious activity in your account?

If the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) identifies unusual activity in your account that could be linked to fraud, it will immediately block access for security reasons.
To regain access, you will need to contact the ATO via their telephone service. During this process, you must first verify your identity. Once validated, you will be granted temporary access to your account for 48 hours.
This process can be time-consuming, as customer service lines often experience long wait times. Additionally, in some cases, identity verification may not be successfully completed during the call, preventing account reactivation and further complicating the situation.
For this reason, it is crucial to avoid falling victim to fraud and identity theft, such as fake SMS messages attempting to deceive taxpayers. Stay alert and always verify the authenticity of any communication before providing personal information. This way, you can complete your tax return with total peace of mind and without complications.

Tip: Protect Yourself from SMS Phishing (Smishing)
– Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your MyGov account and financial platforms.
– Never share your Tax File Number (TFN) with unverified third parties.
– Always verify links before clicking.
– Use official sources to access ATO and MyGov information.

In conclusion, SMS fraud is a real threat. However, with caution and awareness, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.. If you receive a suspicious message, stay calm, do not interact with it, and follow security recommendations. At GoTax, we are committed to the safety of our clients and always help you file your tax return securely.

If you have doubts about an SMS you have received, contact us today. Our team will be happy to assist you.