Over the past couple of months I have been receiving phone calls and emails from clients asking about an email they have received from the ATO, informing them they have received a refund of x amount of dollars and to follow these steps in order to claim this amount.
Firstly,
These emails are a SCAM. The ATO has nothing to do with these emails and will never email you telling you have a refund!
So
How do you identify the scam?
1. Check the email address. The ATO will never send anything from xxxx@ato.com.au – it will always be xxxx@ato.gov.au. The ATO very rarely use email as a form to contact clients. If you receive an email from the ATO you should also contact us first to see if it is legit.
2. Check the website address. The official ATO website is www.ato.gov.au. Any variation on this web address is potential a scammer.
3. The ATO will never ask for bank details via email. They will always request you contact them if there is an issue.
4. The ATO will never ask for credit card details via email or a website. They will request you contact them if there is an issue.
If you have any concerns or questions about a suspicious email or request from the ATO give us a call on 1300 300 997. We will be more than happy to check this out for you.
