The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has reported that it’s seeing an increase in myGov related SMS and email scams.
With the end of the financial year, people traditionally have more interaction with the ATO during this period. Please be aware that scammers will use this time of year as an opportunity to impersonate the ATO and myGov.
What to look out for
These scams will look like they’ve come from a myGov or ATO email address or SMS service, and will ask you to click on a link to verify your details.
To make them seem even more genuine, scammers will use sophisticated techniques that cause these messages to appear in the same email or SMS thread as real messages from the ATO and myGov.
Below is an example of the type of message you may receive:
Don’t click on the link
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) always advises you DON’T click any links and DON’T provide any information requested. If in doubt, delete the SMS or email.
How to access ATO and myGov
The ATO advises when you receive an email or SMS from myGov regarding new messages in your myGov inbox, these messages will NEVER include a link to log on to your myGov account. Always access these online services directly through one of the following:
- My.gov.au
- Ato.gov.au
- The ATO app
If you receive an SMS or email from the ATO that you think is fraudulent, you can report it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fraudulent SMS or emails that look like they’re from myGov can be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you have clicked on a link or provided your personal information, contact Services Australia on 1800 941 126.
The ways that fraudsters scam customers out of their money are always changing. Summerland recommends you sign up to Stay Smart Online’s free Alert Service, to keep up-to-date with online threats and how they can be managed.
As part of Summerland’s commitment to fraud prevention and detection, our team may call, email or SMS you to confirm a transaction. However, remember that Summerland will NEVER:
- Ask you to disclose your personal banking details, your PIN, your card number or any other information on your card in an unsolicited email, SMS or telephone call; or
- Ask you to click on a link in an email which then asks you to log in to your account and verify your details.
If you suspect you are a victim of a fraud, contact us immediately on 1300 802 222 so we can help to protect you.
