One of our clients recently had contact from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to substantiate deductions claimed in an amended income tax return. The client had lodged no such amendment. Instead, it was a MyGov scam, where a scammer had accessed the client’s MyGov account and fraudulently lodged an amended tax return, hoping to redirect the refund to the scammers bank account. The ATO’s review of deductions prevented the fraud from occurring in this case, but that will not always help. This is a reminder of how important it is to follow the steps below and keep your MyGov account and your personal information safe.
The Government also recently warned of malicious myGov scammers in this media release.
What is a MyGov scam?
A MyGov scam is a type of identity theft where a scammer accesses your MyGov account and lodges a fraudulent tax return or amendment, hoping to redirect the refund to their own bank account. The scammer may also change your personal details, such as your email address or phone number, to prevent you from receiving notifications from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or other government agencies. The scammer may also use your MyGov account to access other online services, such as Centrelink or Medicare, and make false claims or changes on your behalf.
How can you protect yourself from a MyGov scam?
The best way to protect yourself from a MyGov scam is to secure your MyGov account and your personal information. Here are some steps you can take to do this:
- Use a strong and unique password for your MyGov account and change it regularly. Do not share your password with anyone or write it down.
- Check your MyGov account regularly and review your linked services, your personal details, and your lodgement history. If you notice any suspicious or unauthorised activity, report it to the ATO or the relevant government agency immediately.
- Do not click on any links or attachments in emails or text messages claiming to be from the ATO or other government agencies. These could be phishing attempts to steal your login details or infect your device with malware. Always go to the official website or call the official number to verify any communication you receive.
- Do not provide your personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, claiming to be from the ATO or other government agencies. The ATO will never ask you for your MyGov password, your bank account details, or your credit card information over the phone or by email.
What should you do if you think you have been scammed?
If you think you have been scammed, you should act quickly to minimise the damage and protect your identity. Here are some steps you can take to do this:
- Contact the ATO on 1800 008 540 and report the scam. They will help you secure your MyGov account and investigate the fraudulent activity. They will also advise you on how to claim your correct refund or pay your correct tax liability.
- Contact your bank and other financial institutions and inform them of the scam. They will help you secure your accounts and prevent any unauthorised transactions. They may also issue you a new card or account number if needed.
- Contact the other government agencies that are linked to your MyGov account and inform them of the scam. They will help you secure your online services and check for any false claims or changes made on your behalf.
- Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or visit their website. They are a national identity and cyber support service that can help you with identity theft and recovery.
Where can you find more information?
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams and identity theft, you can visit the following websites:
Author: Darren O’Malley
*Correct as of 23 April 2024
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.
