ATO issues fresh scam warning as fake myGov SMS and email trick taxpayers

Source: ATO

Scammers are inundating targets with fake messages asking them to provide their myGov details, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed, while urging taxpayers to remail vigilant when completing their tax returns.

The ATO this week revealed a rising volume of scam emails and text messages impersonating the organisation, designed to trick taxpayers into providing their sensitive myGov login details.

Such messages provide targets with a fake login page that scammers can use to steal passwords.

Common phrases used in the fake messages, as noted by the ATO, include:

‘You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund’
‘You have an ATO notification’
‘You need to update your details to allow your Tax return to be processed’
‘We need to verify your incoming tax deposit’
‘ATO Refund failed due to incorrect BSB/Account number’
‘Due to receive a refund, click here to receive a rebate’




The ATO says it does not send taxpayers SMS or emails with a direct link asking recipients to log onto online services.

“They should be accessed directly by typing ato.gov.au

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