How to protect yourself from tax scams ahead of tax time 

As tax time rolls around each year, it’s normal to expect a few messages from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or myGov, which is exactly why scammers try to join the conversation too. According to the ATO, reports of scam emails impersonating the ATO jumped by more than 300% year-on-year in 2025, with a noticeable spike in the lead‑up to tax time.

While these scams can sometimes lead to people, including small business owners, losing money or having their personal details misused, the good news is that a little awareness goes a long way. Knowing what tax scams look like – and how the ATO actually gets in touch – can help you feel more confident sorting the real from the risky. Here’s what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself during tax season.

What is a tax scam?

A tax scam is when scammers pose as the ATO or myGov and send messages designed to look official, hoping you’ll hand over personal details or money. These messages might come through email, SMS, phone calls or even social media, often from fake profiles that closely mimic Government organisations.

Once scammers have your information, they can use it to steal your identity or commit fraud in your name. Because tax time is already a busy period, scammers often try to rush you, asking you to act quickly and hoping you won’t pause to double‑check whether the message is genuine.

While tax scams can happen at any time of year, they’re especially common in the lead‑up to tax time, when many Australians are already expecting to hear from the ATO or myGov.

How can I spot a tax scam? 

While the ATO and myGov may need to contact you from time to time – usually via your secure myGov inbox – there are certain things they’ll never do. Here's what to look out for, which could be indicators that you’re not dealing with who you think you are. 

You might be the target of a tax scam if you receive a message or phone call that: 

• implies a sense of urgency or claims there’ll be legal ramifications if you don’t act, or don’t act fast enough

• threatens you with fines or legal action or says they’ll freeze your account

• claims suspicious activity has occurred on your account and that you’ll need to provide your login details to confirm your identity

• promises unexpected tax refunds

• request personal information or your myGov details

• includes attachments, hyperlinks or QR codes

• requests payment via unusual methods such as gift cards, crypto or wire transfer

• is prerecorded, or a robocall

• includes poor spelling, grammar or formatting

• includes incorrect logos and low-quality images

It’s important also to be aware that while the caller ID or email address can appear to be legitimate, there are ways that scammers can fake this too. So, to stay safe, if you’re unsure about a call, it’s always best to stop, check and protect yourself. 

Rather than answering your phone or replying to the email, you can always call the ATO directly on their official number to check whether they’ve been trying to reach you. 

What can I do to protect myself from tax scams? 

The best way to protect yourself from tax scams is to be aware of how scammers operate and approach any calls or messages – particularly ones related to your finances and identity – with a critical eye. 

Never send money or personal details to anyone via email or over the phone unless you’re absolutely certain you know who you’re dealing with and you trust them, and they genuinely require these details. 

Practice safe behaviours before engaging with a phone call or email, such as pausing, checking, and independently verifying the caller or email. 

What to do if you become the target of a tax scam 

If you think you’ve been targeted by a tax scam, stop engaging immediately and report the scam to the ATO, myGov and Scamwatch, as well as to your bank or financial institution. 

If you’ve already given someone you believe to be a scammer your personal or financial information, it’s vital that you call the ATO immediately on 1800 008 540 to report it.

You should also make an official report to your local police, contact your own bank or financial institution, as well as the bank you made the payment to and lodge a fraud report.

Where can I go to get scam help?

If you suspect a scam or something goes wrong, don’t try to handle it alone. The Australian Cyber Security Centre and Scamwatch have dedicated resources on tax scams. You can also call your bank and your business insurance provider if you’re worried about a breach.

If you believe your AMP bank account or superannuation has been compromised, alert us immediately. 

AMP Bank customers can call 13 30 30. 

AMP Bank GO customers can message us 24/7 in the app. 

AMP Super members can call 13 12 67.