iscoverAs taxpayers flock to lodge their tax returns, the Tax Office is adding new security measures to its app to bolster its fight against scammers.
ATO to step up information protection as tax scams surge
18 July 2025
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8 minute read
With tax time upon us, the ATO has committed to preventing the surge of scam rates with “powerful” new safety features to help keep taxpayers’ personal information safe and protected.
The ATO said the app updates came at a time when scammers were actively seeking new ways to exploit personal information as Australians prepared to lodge their tax returns.
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A sharp increase in impersonation scams was reported by the ATO, with a 150 per cent increase over the last 12 months, 90 per cent of them having been sent via email.
Rob Thomson, ATO assistant commissioner, said scammers were constantly enhancing their methods to impersonate the ATO, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to recognise fraudulent messages.
“This is the time of the year when people are awaiting their tax returns or expecting to hear from the ATO, and scammers know it. Staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting personal information,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve strengthened the ATO app with new security measures. 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.”
According to the ATO, the app enhancements bolstered its existing fraud controls already in place to detect unusual or out-of-pattern behaviour on taxpayers’ accounts.
The new enhancements would include real-time messages when changes were made to ATO records and quick account locking when a real-time message was received to prevent unauthorised access or fraudulent refunds.
The upgrades were developed in partnership with the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), which operates under the ACCC, to strengthen its ability to detect and respond to scam threats during peak periods like tax time.
Catriona Lowe, ACCC deputy chair, said it was important for taxpayers to protect their TFN, myGov login and bank details as these were the “keys” to an individual's identity.
“If you receive an unsolicited contact claiming to be from the ATO and offering any of these options, it’s very likely a scam. Scammers may also use spoofed phone numbers, fake caller IDs, and convincing email templates to appear legitimate,” she said.
“Don’t let scammers pressure you. We urge all Australians to ‘stop, check and protect’ before reacting to an unexpected call or message and keep front of mind that the ATO and myGov do not use links in their messages.”
To further defend personal information against scammers in the ATO app, the ATO suggested leveraging digital ID, knowing how to spot and report scams, turning on multi-factor authentication, using strong and unique passwords and keeping devices and software updated.
“If you receive a notification and something doesn’t feel right, lock your account immediately in our app, and verify and report the interaction on the ATO website or by calling 1800 467 033 during business hours to discuss any suspicious activity,” Thomson said.
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