Latest ATO Scam Data And Reporting A Suspected Scam

The number of ATO impersonation scams are higher than ever, but 2022-2023 ATO data indicates that Australians are becoming more aware and educated about how to identify and report scams.

Last financial year the data shows:

• There were 25,609 ATO impersonation scams reported to the ATO, an increase of over 25%.
• The amount of money paid to scammers decreased by 75%.
• Only 28 people paid money to a scammer, a 66% decrease.
• 346 people divulged personal identifying information (PII), a decrease of 71%.
• There has been a significant shift in the way scammers are contacting people – Email has increased by 179% and SMS contact has increased by 414%.
• The shift toward SMS and email scams has seen an increase in targeted phishing scams, leading clients to fraudulent websites. In response, the ATO have initiated 4,836 take downs of websites with AusCERT.
• 35–44-year old’s are now the most likely to pay money to a scammer, this has shifted from the younger demographic of 25–34 year old’s in the previous year.
• 25–34-year old’s have remained the age group that divulged the most PII to scammers.

**all data comparisons are from the 2021–22 financial year.

How to Verify and report a scam

Scams trick you into paying money or giving out your personal information.

Scammers often pretend to be from trusted organisations like the ATO.

The ATO will sometimes contact you by phone, email, SMS or post. If you're not sure whether it's genuine, do not reply. You should phone us on 03 9836 5711 or contact the ATO on 1800 008 540 to check. Never disclose any personal information to the caller or by return email/SMS until you have verified that it is a legitimate request from the ATO.

Scammers often use scare tactics. The ATO will never:

• threaten you with immediate arrest.
• demand you stay on the line until a payment is made.
• send unsolicited pre-recorded messages to your phone.
• cancel TFNs.
• send you an email or SMS with a link to log in to online services.
• prevent you from discussing your tax affairs with your trusted adviser or agent.
• make a conference call with a third party, such as your tax agent or law enforcement.
• request payment of a debt through iTunes, Google Play, STEAM or other vouchers.
• request payment of a debt through JB hi-fi, Myer, Woolworths or other retail gift cards.
• accept payment in cryptocurrency.
• ask you to pay a tax debt into a bank account other than the Reserve Bank of Australia.
• ask you to pay a tax debt through a cardless cash ATM withdrawal.
• request payment of a debt through offshore wire transfer.
• ask you to pay a fee to receive a refund.

If you've been affected by an ATO impersonation scam, you must report it to us and to the ATO.