Every tax season, the scam calls and texts ramp up around here. I get asked about this a lot from my home support and seniors clients, so I thought it was worth writing up properly.

Scammers know tax time puts people on edge. Everyone’s expecting some kind of contact from the ATO, whether that’s about a refund or a bill, and that makes it the perfect moment to slip a fake message past you.

What these scams usually look like

The most common version is a call or text claiming to be from the ATO. It might say you owe an outstanding debt and need to pay right away, or that you’re due a refund and just need to confirm your bank details first. Some scammers can even fake the caller ID so it shows the ATO’s real number.

These messages almost always lean on urgency and fear. You’ll be told you have 24 hours to pay, or that legal action or arrest is coming if you don’t act now. That pressure is the biggest giveaway. Real government agencies don’t operate that way.

What the ATO will never do

It helps to know exactly what’s off limits for a genuine ATO contact. They will never ask you to pay a debt using gift cards, iTunes cards, or cryptocurrency. They will never threaten immediate arrest over the phone. They will never ask you to confirm your tax file number, bank login, or password by text or call.

What to do if you’re not sure

Don’t click any links or call any numbers in the message. Instead, go straight to the ATO’s official website or app, or call them directly using the number listed there. If it was a genuine issue, it’ll still be there when you check through the proper channel.

If you’ve already clicked a link or given out details, contact your bank straight away, and you can report it to Scamwatch through the National Anti-Scam Centre.

A quick local tip

If you ever get a call or text this tax season and something feels off, give me a call before you act on it. I can help you work out if it’s genuine, and make sure your devices and accounts are secure either way.