ATO Impersonation Scams

ATO impersonation scams: stay alert to tax‑related fraud

ATO impersonation scams are designed to pressure people into sharing personal or financial information by pretending to come from a trusted government body. These scams can happen at any time of year and often increase when people are expecting tax refunds or are unsure about their tax status.
Scammers rely on fear, urgency or the promise of a refund to manipulate victims into acting quickly. They may contact you by email, text message or phone call, claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office (ATO), myGov or another government service.
These messages can look convincing and may reference real tax processes, making them harder to recognise as scams — especially if you’ve recently lodged a return or are unsure whether you’ve met your obligations.

How ATO impersonation scams work

In many cases, scammers contact people claiming:
  • Their taxable income has been recalculated
  • They are eligible for a refund or compensation
  • There is an issue with their tax record or myGov account
  • Immediate action is needed to avoid penalties or debt recovery
To “resolve” the issue or receive a payment, victims are asked to click a link, scan a QR code, download an attachment, or provide sensitive information such as their Tax File Number (TFN), driver licence details, Medicare information or bank account details.
Some scams may even threaten legal action or payment demands, while others promise unexpectedly large refunds. Both approaches are designed to create urgency and override caution.
 

Red flags to watch for

Messages or calls claiming to be from the ATO are likely a scam if you notice any of the following:
  • Links or QR codes asking you to log in to view a refund, update details or make a payment
  • Requests for personal or financial information via email, SMS or phone
  • Attachments to download, which may install malicious software on your device
  • Threats of penalties, arrest or legal action if you don’t act immediately
  • Requests to pay a fee to receive a tax refund
It’s important to know that the ATO does not send unsolicited messages with links or QR codes asking you to log in to online services, and they don’t charge fees to process refunds.

What to do if you receive a suspicious message

If you think a message or call claiming to be from the ATO might be a scam:
  • Don’t click on links, scan QR codes or download attachments
  • Don’t share personal details such as your TFN, myGov login or bank information
  • Don’t send money or make payments under pressure
Instead, independently verify the contact by accessing services directly through official websites or trusted phone numbers. If you’re unsure, it’s safer not to respond at all.
 

If you’ve already engaged with a scam

If you’ve clicked a link, shared information, or made a payment, act quickly. Contact your bank or financial institution immediately so steps can be taken to secure your account and reduce potential losses.
Reporting suspected scams — even if you haven’t lost money — helps protect the wider community and makes it harder for scammers to target others.
At Border Bank, protecting our members is a priority. Staying informed and taking a moment to stop and check unexpected messages can make a critical difference.