We have heard from several clients of attempts by scammers pretending to be the ATO on the telephone. These scammers are trying to access personal data and get fictitious tax debts paid out there and then. We have been told that these callers can be quite aggressive and intimidating. As trusted accountants in Sydney, we must inform our clients about these deceptive practises.
These phone scams are in addition to the ongoing risk of receiving fake emails claiming to be from ATO or similar government departments.
Care should always be taken to protect your personal data, and you should not provide any personal or financial details over the phone, via email or online to anyone you do not trust or can not identify.
The ATO does not operate in the way described above. The ATO would most likely contact us first, where we act as your registered tax agent.
If the ATO does contact you directly, it would be by SMS or letter before they call.
If you are contacted and you want to confirm the details, you should ask for the name and call reference number of the person you are speaking to, then phone the ATO back on 13 28 69.
Otherwise, do not hesitate to speak to us if you have any doubts.
*Correct as of August 2015
Disclaimer – Kreston Stanley Williamson has produced this article to serve its clients and associates. The information contained in the article is of general comment only and is not intended to be advice on any particular matter. Before acting on any areas in this article, you must seek advice about your circumstances. Liability is limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
