Client Alert - Be aware of ATO scams

As the tax season ramps up prior to 30 June, so does the need to be on the lookout for Australian Taxation Office ‘(ATO)’ scams. With the ATO’s increasing use of different mediums of communication with taxpayers comes increased opportunity for fraudulent activities.

The ATO has recently issued a media statement regarding a phone scam which involves fraudsters intimidating people into paying fake tax debts over the phone. It is reported that the scammers are quite aggressive and threaten immediate legal action for non-payment of outstanding debts. The ATO media release can be found on their website here.

We have had a number of clients and colleagues (or their family members) contacted by these fraudsters.  They seem to be targeting older people and can come across as quite authentic.

We take this opportunity to remind you that your privacy is paramount and you should never provide personal or financial information to someone you don’t know or trust. Should the ATO contact you via the telephone or email, and you have any doubts about the authenticity, we encourage you to contact your advisor at Baumgartners before taking any action.   Where we act as your tax agent, ATO contact will generally come via us and we will act on your behalf.