The TPB have warned of a new scam involving a fake telephone call impersonating the board.
“We have been notified of a telephone scam using technology to impersonate a legitimate TPB telephone number,” said the TPB in a LinkedIn update.
“Please be aware that a legitimate TPB call will never ask for, or demand, credit card payment over the phone.”
Reports of tax scams have risen over the past few months, with the ATO recently issuing a high alert after more than $800,000 was reportedly lost in November alone.
The Tax Office has also had to contend with scammers impersonating registered tax agents, in a bid to lend credibility to the scam.
This week, Queensland Police issued a warning after a victim in Logan had purchased a total of $3,500 worth of gift vouchers in response to an ATO scam.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has advised taxpayers not to engage with such phone calls or emails.
“The tax office will never threaten you with arrest, or demand immediate payment of a tax debt or fine with unusual payment methods like gift cards or Bitcoin,” said the ACCC.
“If you ever get a call or email claiming you will be arrested due to a tax debt, simply hang up the phone or delete the email. Do not call the number provided in the phone message or email you receive.”
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Jotham Lian
Jotham Lian is the editor of Accountants Daily, the leading source of breaking news, analysis and insight for Australian accounting professionals.
Before joining the team in 2017, Jotham wrote for a range of national mastheads including the Sydney Morning Herald, and Channel NewsAsia.
You can email Jotham at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
