Stay alert to tax scams targeting individuals and businesses
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) continues to warn Australians about sophisticated scams impersonating government agencies. At Carrick Aland, we’ve seen firsthand how these scams can catch even the most cautious clients off guard.
Whether by SMS, email or phone, scammers are using increasingly clever tactics to convince people to share personal information or make payments. A moment of vigilance can protect your identity, finances, and peace of mind.
Key warning signs to watch for:
- Unexpected demands for payment: Especially if accompanied by threats, time pressure, or requests for payment via unusual methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards or direct bank transfers.
- Emails or texts with suspicious links: These may direct you to fake websites that closely mimic official government pages.
- Requests for personal or financial information: The ATO will never ask you to confirm personal details via SMS or email.
- Phone calls claiming to be from the ATO or other government bodies: Scammers may use technology to make the call appear as if it’s coming from a legitimate number.
What you can do:
- Don’t click suspicious links: Hover to preview URLs and only use trusted, official websites like ato.gov.au.
- Contact the ATO directly: If you’re unsure whether a message or call is genuine, call the ATO on 1800 008 540.
- Protect your information: Never share TFNs, bank details or passwords without verifying the source.
- Report scams: Forward suspicious emails to reportemailfraud@ato.gov.au and delete them immediately.
At Carrick Aland, we’re here to help you stay informed and secure. If you receive any communication you’re unsure about—or if you think you’ve been targeted—reach out to our team for advice before taking any action.
Need a second opinion on a suspicious message?
Contact our team and we’ll help you verify its authenticity before you act. Let’s protect our financial futures together.
