Increased Tax Scam Activities
The Australian Taxation Office is seeing an increase in fake social media accounts impersonating the ATO, their employees and senior executive staff across Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and other platforms.
These fake accounts ask users that interact with the ATO to send them a direct message so they can help with their inquiry.
The people behind these fake accounts are trying to steal your personal information, including phone numbers, email addresses and bank account information.
DO NOT ENGAGE THESE ACCOUNTS
The ACTUAL ATO social media accounts have significant followers.
The ACTUAL ATO social media accounts have been active for more than ten years with SIGNIFICANT historical posts.
SCAM sites generally have postings that are few and recent.
All ATO Email addresses end with."gov.au". It's always a RED FLAG when you see an email address that doesn't have the Australian Government ".gov.au" designation. And don't be fooled by variations of this such as bob.ATO.gov.au@gmail.com.
Be careful and take care.
When in doubt, don't do anything!
I'm sure if the ATO was trying to track you down they'll find a way other than through social media.
Smile and have a great day
Mr G Tax
P.S. ... and if you need to....ATO Scam line ... 1800 008 540