Tax time scams: How to stay alert this tax season
Last updated: 30 May 2024 | Estimated read time: 4 Minutes
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Understanding tax time phishing scams | Sneaky tax scam tactics | Tips to help stay clear of tax scams
Tax time can be a whirlwind of sorting receipts, crunching numbers, and filling out forms. It’s can also be a prime time for online scammers to try their luck on unsuspecting consumers and businesses. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the common traps and how to steer clear of them.
Understanding tax time phishing scams
Tax phishing scams are crafty attempts by cyber criminals to swipe your private details or convince you to hand over funds. They’re after your online banking logins, email passwords, and other sensitive info. Once they’ve wormed their way in, they could commit financial fraud or identity theft.
Sneaky tax scam tactics to be aware of
These scammers are clever with their timing, striking when you’re swamped with tax tasks. They use email and phone scams to lure you into fake websites or to hand over personal details. They might even threaten legal action or dangle a fake tax refund to trick you. Some common tax phishing scams you need to be on the lookout for include:
6 tips to help stay clear of tax scams
1. Stay on top of your communications
2. Secure your emails
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) where possible
4. Ignore the scare tactics
5. Only make payments through official platforms
6. Look at Government resources
We’re here to help
As well as being aware of scammers around tax time, there are also some other positive steps you can take to navigate tax time like a pro.
Remember, we’re always here to help you navigate your financial journey securely. Visit our Security Hub for safety tips and other useful information to help protect you and your assets online.
Source:
1August 2023 – tax time SMS and email scams: https://www.ato.gov.au/online-services/scams-cyber-safety-and-identity-protection/scam-alerts#August2023taxtimeSMSandemailscams
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