When tax season excitement is in the air, we all look forward to those tax refunds and the chance to make the most of sales. However, scammers are also aware of this opportunity and may try to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Fear not! It doesn’t take much to equip yourself with the tools to safeguard your finances:
1. Watch out for false urgency
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into revealing personal details. Remember, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is not in a rush to issue refunds. Be cautious if anyone claims otherwise.
2. Verify suspicious calls or messages
Whether it’s a robo-call or a person claiming to be from the ATO, always verify their authenticity. If you receive an unexpected call or message, contact the ATO directly at 1800 008 540 to confirm its legitimacy.
3. Know what the ATO will never do
The ATO will never threaten you with arrest, demand immediate payment, or cancel your Tax File Number. Stay informed about their official communication methods to avoid falling for scams.
4. Be skeptical of contact information
Don’t rely solely on contact details provided by callers or in emails and SMS. Scammers can easily manipulate these. Always cross-check information independently.
5. Avoid sharing personal information over the phone
Never provide personal details or make payments to callers over the phone. Legitimate organisations won’t ask for sensitive information this way.
6. Steer clear of suspicious links
Phishing scams often use email or SMS links to steal data. Don’t click on any links unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.
It’s important to spread awareness through discussing scam identification with friends and family. The more informed everyone is, the better protected we all become.
Reporting suspected scams: If you suspect a scam or fear your identity has been compromised, act promptly. Contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE at 1800 595 160.
Remember, you’re clever, and these tools will help you stay one step ahead of scammers. Enjoy the sales and get through this tax season with confidence!
