Have you ever received a text or email from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) asking you to click a link, open an attachment or provide personal details?
You’re not alone. The ATO has recorded an increase in the number of scam reports, up 300 per cent in the past year alone. These scams tend to peak at tax time when people are expecting to hear from the ATO.
In the final edition of our tax time series, we look at how to keep yourself safe from cyber scams and ensure your personal details are secure.
Stay alert to suspicious links and attachments
Never click links, scan QR codes or open attachments in emails or texts claiming to be from the ATO. Always access online services directly via ato.gov.au, my.gov.au or the official ATO app.
Use myID for added protection
myID is a secure way to prove who you are online. Setting it to its highest strength is one of the best ways to protect your ATO account and reduce the risk of scammers gaining access.
Trust your instincts
Remember, ATO staff will never call out of the blue demanding immediate payments or making threats.
If a phone call feels suspicious or too urgent, end the call and contact the ATO directly on 1800 008 540 to confirm its legitimacy.
Keep your passwords strong and up‑to‑date
Use long, unique passwords for every online service and consider using a password manager to securely store them.
It’s a good habit to update your passwords periodically, especially for sensitive accounts like myGov and online banking.
Set up Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of security by setting up multi‑factor authentication (MFA) on any online service that offers it. This makes it much harder for scammers to gain access to your accounts.
Stay informed
For more information and examples of common tax scams, visit the ATO’s dedicated page at ato.gov.au/scamsafe.
Quick links
The ATO publishes a range of resources to guide you through tax time. For more information on lodging your tax as a property investor, visit ato.gov.au or browse these quick links:
REIWA provides this information as a guide only. For more detailed information on preparing your tax return, visit ato.gov.au/realestate or consult a tax agent.
