With tax time over, be on high alert for phone calls demanding the payment of fake tax debts. Stay vigilant and warn your friends and family so they don’t get tricked.
Be suspicious if someone contacts you demanding payment.
Remember, the ATO would never:
- Request the payment of a tax debt via prepaid gift cards (eg iTunes or Google Play)
- Ask for direct credit to be paid into a personal bank account or via an ATM
- Demand immediate payment, use aggressive behaviour, or threaten you with arrest or deportation.
These are typical scammer tactics!
If you’re unsure about a call you receive, hang up immediately. Phone the ATO scam hotline on 1800008540 to check if the call was legitimate or report the scam.