A 150 percent increase in scams impersonating the Australian Tax Office has prompted the ATO to beef up security on its app.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said as millions of Australians prepared to lodge tax returns, scammers were actively seeking new ways to exploit personal information.
“If successful, they can use stolen details not only to commit fraud against the ATO, but also carry out broader identity theft and financial crimes across the community,” Mr Thomson said.
“The ATO has reported a sharp rise in impersonation scams, with a 150 per cent increase over the last 12 months.”
He said 90 percent of ATO impersonation scams were currently being sent via email.
“To help keep your personal information safe and protected, the ATO’s app now has powerful new safety features designed to give users real-time control over their tax affairs through alerts and instant account locking to help stop fraudsters in their tracks.”
Mr Thomson said the app enhancements bolstered the ATO’s existing fraud controls that had been in place for some time to detect unusual or out of pattern behaviour on taxpayers’ accounts.
“Scammers are constantly enhancing their methods to impersonate the ATO, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to recognise fraudulent messages.
“Staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting personal information.”
Mr Thomson said downloading the ATO app was a simple and effective way to stay one step ahead.
“This is the time of year when people are awaiting their tax returns or expecting to hear from the ATO, and scammers know it.
“That’s why we’ve strengthened the ATO app with new security features. It’s fast, free, and puts security in your hands, giving you the power to monitor your account in real-time and instantly lock it if something doesn’t feel right.”
Mr Thomson said if someone received a notification and something didn’t feel right, they should lock their account immediately in the app, and verify and report the interaction on the ATO website or by calling 1800 467 033 during business hours.
