Tax fraud in Australia is on the rise, with increasing reports of scammers targeting taxpayers to steal personal information and lodge fraudulent tax returns. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned of a sharp increase in scams, particularly during tax time, when criminals are most active.
How to Know if Tax Fraud Has Occurred
You may be a victim of tax fraud if you notice:
- Your myGov account has been locked or shows unfamiliar activity.
- A tax return has been lodged in your name that you didn’t prepare or authorise.
- You receive unexpected ATO debt notices or refund notifications.
- You are asked to confirm sensitive information such as your Tax File Number (TFN) via email, text, or phone call.
What to Do if You Suspect Your TFN Has Been Compromised
If you believe your TFN has been stolen or misused:
- Contact the ATO immediately – Call the ATO’s dedicated Identity Theft Line on 1800 467 033 to report the issue.
- Check your myGov account – Review your tax records and update your password.
- Monitor financial accounts – Keep an eye on your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity.
- Report scams – Forward any suspicious messages to [email protected].
Stay Safe Online
- Never share your TFN or passwords via email or text.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your myGov account.
- Always log in to myGov directly via my.gov.au – never through links in emails or texts.
Need Help?
If you’re worried your TFN has been compromised or want to ensure your tax return is accurate and secure, our team is here to help.
We can review your tax situation, guide you through the steps to protect your identity, and liaise with the ATO on your behalf.
Contact us today to book an appointment and get peace of mind knowing your tax matters are in safe hands.