Warning around random phishing ATO used in scam

SCAMMERS are making random calls to people in the Townsville area, claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office, retired accountant Ian Jessup says.

The calls are part of heightened scam activity occurring in Australia, particularly surrounding the events of the COVID-19 pandemic where scammers are trying to access people’s superannuation and Jobkeeper payments.

Mr Jessup said a close relative had two people calling his mobile phone, claiming to be ATO officers and telling him the ATO intended to imprison him for unspecified offences.

The relative, a disability pensioner, challenged the scammers and they hung up but Mr Jessup said the relative was concerned enough to call him and discuss the matter.

“These scammers are prolific and can be very credible. They are skilled at deceit and intimidation, and are trawling the internet and the telephone lines constantly for victims,” Mr Jessup said.

“If in any doubt, hang up on such callers, and never download anything at their suggestion.

“If you think they may be genuine, tell them you will call them back on the organisation’s published telephone number.

“Never give out personal details such as Tax File Numbers to unsolicited callers, and never give anyone like this access to your computer.”

On its website, the ATO says it is aware people are being targeted with COVID-19 scams, fraud attempts and de

Ian Jessup

ceptive email and SMS schemes and that there is “heightened” scam activity.

It says the ATO will communicate via SMS and email if businesses have applied for the government’s Jobkeeper payment or individuals are seeking early release of superannuation but that, if in doubt, people should check to confirm whether the contact is genuine.

The ATO can be called on 1800 008 540 to verify an interaction.

The ATO also encourages individuals and businesses to:

run software updates to ensure operating systems security is current; update antivirus software; always exercise caution when clicking on links and providing personal information;

always avoid accessing online government services via a hyperlink in an email or SMS. Only do this via an independent search; and educate staff on scams.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says its Scamwatch site has received more than 4560 scam reports mentioning the coronavirus and that there have been more than $5m in reported losses since the outbreak of COVID-19.