iscover Tax Office issues crucial scam warning for businesses
TechnologyThe Tax Office is reminding small-business owners to be aware of email scams as tax time approaches.
Businesses owners must ensure to keep employees, customers, and themselves safe against scams, as falling victim could inflict significant consequences.
The Tax Office said ATO impersonation email scam reports had increased by over 300 per cent from the same time last year, with more scam reports expected around tax time as scammers were aware this is when people would usually hear from the ATO.
“Scammers send fake messages trying to trick people into handing over personal information. Once they have your details, they can steal your identity and commit fraud in your name,” the ATO said.
“They know you’re busy and probably distracted wrapping up at the end of the financial year, so they’ll ask you to respond quickly hoping you don’t verify the interaction.”
To protect against scammers during tax time, the ATO suggested that businesses stop, check, and protect by never sharing login details, making sure all services and communication are authentic and secure, and acting quickly if any unusual activity is detected.
The ATO said it was important for businesses to understand that recovering from identity theft was stressful and could impact a business’s operations and reputation.
“We may send you an SMS or email asking you to contact us, but we’ll NEVER send an unsolicited message with a link asking you to return personal information or log into our online services,” the ATO said.
“We do have a Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn account, but we’ll NEVER use these platforms to ask you to provide personal information, documentation or for payments.”
Imogen Wilson
Imogen Wilson is a journalist at Accountants Daily and Accounting Times, the leading sources of news, insight, and educational content for professionals in the accounting sector. Imogen is also the host of the Accountants Daily Podcasts, Under the Hood and Accountants Daily Insider.
Previously, Imogen has worked in broadcast journalism at NOVA 93.7 Perth and Channel 7 Perth. She has multi-platform experience in writing, radio, TV presenting, podcast hosting and production.
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