If you receive an email or phone call out of the blue from ‘the ATO’ claiming that you are entitled to a refund, that you owe money or asking you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details like your tax file number, press ‘delete’ or just hang up. Verify the caller or sender by contacting the ATO on its official contact number: 1800 008 540.

You can report suspected ATO email scams by forwarding the original email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au.

You can also report scams to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch report a scam page https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam  or by calling 1300 795 995. You should also spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.

For further information see the Scamwatch website www.scamwatch.gov.au

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