A recent wave of text messages claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has left many Australians worried and uncertain about the legitimacy of the messages. The scam has been circulating, tricking people into parting with their sensitive financial information and funds. In this article, we will expose the scam and provide tips on how to avoid falling victim to it.
The scam typically begins with a text message that claims to be from the ATO, stating that the recipient has an outstanding tax debt and that legal action will be taken if it is not settled immediately. The message usually prompts the recipient to call a specific number or respond to the message to make the necessary payment. However, the ATO has confirmed that these messages are fake and that no such notification will be sent via text message.
The scammers behind this scheme are using sophisticated tactics to make the messages look authentic. They are using the real logo of the ATO and even claim to have the recipient’s name and address on file. The messages are designed to create a sense of urgency, making the recipient feel compelled to take action immediately. This is a classic tactic used by scammers to get people to fork out their hard-earned cash.
The ATO has advised people to be cautious of any unsolicited messages claiming to be from them. They have also warned that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are using stolen identities to make their messages look authentic. The department has stated that it will never ask for personal or financial information via text message, and that any such requests should be met with scepticism.
So, what can you do to avoid falling victim to this scam? Firstly, never respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be from the ATO. Instead, contact the ATO directly using their official phone number or email address to verify any outstanding tax debt. Make sure to check the phone number and email address are legit and not just pretend to be official.
Secondly, be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency. Scammers often use this tactic to get people to act quickly without thinking. Remember, if it seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is.
Finally, report any suspicious messages to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the ATO’s Scam Hotline. This will help to keep track of the scam and prevent others from falling victim to it.
It’s clear that these scammers are becoming increasingly brazen, and it’s up to us to
