--- title: Don't get scammed this tax time description: Protect yourself from tax scams and fraud during tax season. Learn about common tax scams like ATO impersonation, phishing emails, and tax refund scams. image: https://trekkadvisory.com.au/hubfs/Townsville%20Mar%2023.png --- [!["Trekk Advisory" logo: bold black "Trekk" in modern font with smaller red "ADVISORY" below on a white background.](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/trekk-advisory-logo-black%201.png?width=150&height=75&name=trekk-advisory-logo-black%201.png "\"Trekk Advisory\" logo: bold black \"Trekk\" in modern font with smaller red \"ADVISORY\" below on a white background.")](https://trekkadvisory.com.au) - [Featured services](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help) - [Business accounting](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/small-business-accountants) - [Clarity Bookkeeping](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/clarity-bookkeeping) - [Xero cloud accounting](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/xero-cloud-accounting) - [Advice + business advisory](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/business-advisory-services) - [Tax minimisation + planning](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/tax-minimisation-and-planning) - [Self-managed super funds](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/self-managed-super-funds) - [Business Valuations](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/business-valuations) - [How we help](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help) - [Understand your numbers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help/understanding) - [Grow your numbers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help/growth) - [Leverage your numbers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help/leverage) - [Who we are](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/our-team) - [Resources](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/information-centre) - [Get in touch](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/contact) - QLD - [Brisbane](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/brisbane) - [Gympie](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/gympie) - [North Queensland](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/north-queensland) - [Rockhampton](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/rockhampton) - NSW - [Northern Rivers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/northern-rivers) [Download: Success Checklist](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/business-success-checklist) ![](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/hubfs/Townsville%20Mar%2023.png) June 23, 2023 By Jess Kitchin # Don't get scammed this tax time ##### Share: - - - As tax time approaches, Aussies need to be extra cautious when it comes to scams and fraud. Scammers increase activity during tax season, preying on individuals who are expecting refunds or are anxious about their tax obligations.  According to the ATO, scams cost Australians millions of dollars every year. In 2020, the ATO received more than 37,000 reports of scams, with victims losing more than $21 million. One of the most common tax scams is the impersonation of the ATO. Scammers may contact individuals via phone, email, or text message, claiming to be from the ATO and demanding payment for unpaid taxes or threatening legal action. They may also request personal information, such as tax file numbers or bank account details. It's important to remember that the ATO will never ask for personal information or payment via email or text message. The ATO will always identify themselves and provide a reference number, and will only contact individuals via their official channels, such as the myGov website or their verified Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts .  If you're unsure whether a communication is legitimate, it's best to contact your accountant, or the ATO directly on  1800 008 540 to verify. Another common tax scam is phishing emails. Scammers may send emails that appear to be from the ATO, requesting individuals to click on a link or download an attachment. These emails may contain malware or viruses, which can infect your computer or steal personal information.  To protect yourself from phishing emails, it's important to be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders. Look for red flags, such as spelling or grammar errors, suspicious links or attachments, or requests for personal information.  In addition to scams impersonating the ATO, individuals should also be wary of tax refund scams. These scammers may promise a large tax refund in exchange for your bank details or other personal information. These scams are often advertised on social media or through unsolicited phone calls. To protect yourself from tax scams and fraud, there are several steps you can take: 1. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages, especially those requesting personal information or demanding payment. 2. Ensure you only access government services directly via ato.gov.au, my.gov.au or the ATO app 3. Scammers try their best to keep people engaged in a conversation for as long as possible to collect as much personal information as they can. If in doubt, just hang up and contact the ATO directly. 4. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your online accounts. 5. Keep your computer and mobile devices up-to-date with the latest security software. 6. Check your bank statements and credit reports regularly to detect any unauthorized transactions. 7. Report any suspicious activity to the ATO or the Australian Cyber Security Centre. In conclusion, tax season can be a stressful time for many Australians, and scammers are known to take advantage of the situation. By being vigilant and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from tax scams and fraud, and ensure that their personal information and finances are secure.  Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, always verify the legitimacy of a communication before providing any personal information or making any payments. #### About Author [Jess Kitchin](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/information-centre/author/jess-kitchin) Jess is our marketing gal for all Trekk offices, locations, and projects. There's usually a large buzz of projects and activities across all the offices that she's juggling too kick our marketing goals! She started in our Mount Isa office all the way back in 2010 and spent a couple years working and studying full time to gain her Bachelor in Business (Management & Marketing) which assisted her to rise as our Marketing Director. Outside of work she's a bit of a book-worm, often challenging herself to read a book a week. Her favourite genres are historical fiction, psychological thrillers and fantasy. She's got a small group of friends that she usually enjoys a 'Friday wine' or two with, and is a bit artsy - So she might zen out to some doodling, or volunteer for local organisations to do their graphic design. #### Related Posts [![Two Trekk Advisory team members in hard hats talking at a construction site.](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/hubfs/Blog%20Images/ato-prefill-contractors-tpar-sept-blog.png)](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/information-centre/new-ato-pre-fill-for-contractors-the-gaps-you-still-need-to-fill) September 19, 2026 #### [New ATO Pre-Fill for Contractors: The...](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/information-centre/new-ato-pre-fill-for-contractors-the-gaps-you-still-need-to-fill) For the first time, contractors in certain industries will see their income partly filled in for... 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[Read More](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/information-centre/sharing-economy-income-and-tax-what-to-declare-and-how-to-stay-compliant) ## Subscribe our newsletter to get latest news & updates Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit [![trekkadvisory.com.auhs-fshubfsLogostrekk-advisory-logo-white](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/trekkadvisory.com.auhs-fshubfsLogostrekk-advisory-logo-white.png?width=200&height=100&name=trekkadvisory.com.auhs-fshubfsLogostrekk-advisory-logo-white.png "trekkadvisory.com.auhs-fshubfsLogostrekk-advisory-logo-white")](https://trekkadvisory.com.au) Trekk Advisory exists to harness the power of numbers, nouse and know-how to boost your business, and guide you to your great. ###### Three stages that are key to your business: - [01 Understand your numbers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help/understanding) - [02 Grow your numbers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help/growth) - [03 Leverage your numbers](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help/leverage) ###### Featured services - [Business accounting](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/small-business-accountants) - [Xero cloud accounting](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/xero-cloud-accounting) - [Advice + advisory](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/business-advisory-services) - [Tax minimisation + planning](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/tax-minimisation-and-planning) - [Self-managed super funds](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/self-managed-super-funds) - [Business Valuations](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/business-valuations) - [Full list of services](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/how-we-help) ###### Contact Us - [Brisbane QLD](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/brisbane) - [(07) 3378 7733](tel:+61733787733) - [Gympie QLD](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/gympie) - [(07) 5482 7655](tel:+61754827655) - [North Queensland](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/north-queensland) - [(07) 4773 7555](tel:+61747737555) - [Northern Rivers NSW](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/northern-rivers) - [(02) 5601 9900](tel:+61256019900) - [Rockhampton QLD](https://trekkadvisory.com.au/rockhampton) - [(07) 4922 2280](tel:+61749222280) © Trekk Advisory 2026. 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