spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer



CPA LOGO
spacer
Latest News
Hot Issues
Small businesses may ‘collapse under strain of payday super’, IPA warns
ATO’s hands tied with scrapping on-hold debts, expert says
What Drives Your Business Growth and Profits?
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) shifting to firmer debt collection activity
Why employee v contractor comes down to fine print
Sharing economy reporting regime for platform operators
Countries producing the most solar power by gigawatt hours
Illegal access nets $637 million
Accessing superannuation benefits.
Does your business have a company Power of Attorney?
Labor tweaks stage 3 tax cuts to make room for ‘middle Australia’
GrantConnect
2 in 3 SMEs benefit from instant asset write-off, survey reveals
Updated guidance on R&D claims
Do you know how to recover debts?
Wheat Production by Country
Types of small business benchmarks
What is a Commercial Lease?
ATO warns advisers against suspect R&D tax claims
The year of workplace law upheaval
How to Resolve Invoice Payment Disputes
Raft of revenue tweaks in MYEFO to raise millions
The Countries that Export the Most Wine in the World
Articles archive
Quarter 4 October - December 2023
Quarter 3 July - September 2023
Quarter 2 April - June 2023
Quarter 1 January - March 2023
Quarter 4 October - December 2022
Quarter 3 July - September 2022
Quarter 2 April - June 2022
Quarter 1 January - March 2022
Quarter 4 October - December 2021
Quarter 3 July - September 2021
Quarter 2 April - June 2021
Quarter 1 January - March 2021
Quarter 4 October - December 2020
Quarter 3 July - September 2020
Quarter 2 April - June 2020
Quarter 1 January - March 2020
Quarter 4 October - December 2019
Quarter 3 July - September 2019
Quarter 2 April - June 2019
Quarter 1 January - March 2019
Quarter 4 October - December 2018
Quarter 3 July - September 2018
Quarter 2 April - June 2018
Quarter 1 January - March 2018
Quarter 4 October - December 2017
Quarter 3 July - September 2017
Quarter 2 April - June 2017
Quarter 1 January - March 2017
Quarter 4 October - December 2016
Quarter 3 July - September 2016
Quarter 2 April - June 2016
Quarter 1 January - March 2016
Quarter 4 October - December 2015
Quarter 3 July - September 2015
Quarter 2 April - June 2015
Quarter 1 January - March 2015
Quarter 4 October - December 2014
ATO issues warning after ‘unprecedented’ spike in impersonation scams

Over $1 million in losses and more than 40,000 impersonation scams has raised alarm bells at the tax office, with clients warned on impersonated ATO phone numbers and pre-recorded messages.



       


 


The ATO has seen an unprecedented number of pre-recorded phone calls impersonating legitimate Tax Office phone numbers.


Over the first quarter of 2019, the ATO received 40,225 reports of impersonation scams with just over $1 million in losses


Assistant Commissioner Gavin Siebert said that scammers have adopted ‘Robo-call’ technology to target taxpayers across the country.


“Scammers are sending pre-recorded messages in record numbers and are manipulating caller identification so that your phone displays a legitimate ATO phone number despite coming from an overseas scammer,” said Mr Siebert.


“We are now seeing thousands of Australians missing a call from a scammer, returning the call based on the number on caller ID and speaking to legitimate members of the ATO. Our calls do not show a number on caller ID nor do we use pre-recorded messages.


“If the scammers do make contact, they will request payment of a tax debt – usually through unusual methods like bitcoin, gift cards and vouchers. Legitimate ways to pay your tax debt are listed on our website. The scammers will threaten you with immediate arrest, attempt to keep you on the line until payment is made and may become rude or aggressive.”


Mr Siebert said that taxpayers that receive a pre-recorded message should hang up and delete the voicemail.


The ATO regularly contacts taxpayers by phone, email and SMS but will never request that clients click on a link directed to a login page, request unusual payment methods such as cryptocurrency or iTunes cards, threaten with immediate arrest, jail or deportation, and request a fee in order to release a refund owed.


 


Reporter
05 April 2019
accountantsdaily.com.au


 


 




29th-May-2019
spacer
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer