Scammers Strike During Tax Time: ATO Warns Australians to Stay Vigilant

01st Jul 2025

As the new financial year arrives, Australians are being urged to be on high alert for scammers hoping to cash in on tax-time confusion. Authorities warn this time of year is like Christmas for fraudsters, with a sharp rise in fake messages, phone calls, and emails claiming to be from government agencies like the ATO, Centrelink, or major banks.
The Australian Taxation Office has made it clear: it will never send a text or email asking you to “click this link now” to avoid penalties, access a refund, or prevent your account from being shut down.
Likewise, no legitimate government department will threaten you with arrest, demand immediate payment, or offer fast-tracked refunds in exchange for gift cards or small deposits.
Australians are also reminded that the ATO, Centrelink, and other government bodies will never ask for your bank details over the phone or through unsolicited messages.
If there is something important to communicate, these departments will simply notify you that you “have a letter in your inbox” and ask you to log in securely via your official myGov account.
Authorities are also urging the public to check in with friends and family members—particularly the elderly or those who may be less tech-savvy—who are at higher risk of falling victim to scams. A quick conversation could help prevent someone you care about from being tricked out of their personal information or hard-earned money.
If you receive a suspicious message or call, report it to Scamwatch and delete it immediately. Don’t get caught out—when in doubt, don’t click.

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Scammers Strike During Tax Time: ATO Warns Australians to Stay Vigilant

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