The ATO and CPA Australia have warned taxpayers to be wary of tax-related scams during tax time.
ATO data indicates scammers are particularly active during tax time, with a 90 per cent increase in the number of phone and email scams reported to the ATO in 2015 as compared to 2014.
Assistant Commissioner Graham Whyte said people should be vigilant and protect their personal information by keeping it private. He reminded taxpayers that the ATO will never cold call a taxpayer about a debt, threaten jail or arrest, request direct credit to a personal bank account or request personal details via email.
Paul Drum, head of policy at CPA Australia advised taxpayers that “if you are contacted by anyone saying they are from the ATO, don’t give them any information. You should contact your tax agent or the ATO directly to verify.”
Information on how to verify or report a scam is available from the ATO website.
We encourage members to promote these warnings and tips to their clients.
Article from CPA Australia