ATO Scam Email - How to Protect Yourself

Active ATO Email Scam Variants

• Fake ATO Appointment Schedule: Phishing emails claiming a phone appointment has been scheduled for you. They demand you open an attachment containing a link to "reschedule or access services," which actually steals your myGov credentials.
• DocuSign Tax Finalization: Scams utilizing fake "DocuSign" notifications named "Declaration and Final Release" or "Notice of Assessment". They imply that your tax refund is held until you log in through their embedded fake myGov link. The ATO never uses DocuSign to finalise refunds.
• Cryptocurrency / Non-KYC Wallets: Emails falsely stating you hold cryptocurrency in an unverified decentralized wallet. The message pressures you to call a phone number immediately to avoid legal prosecution.
• Taxable Income Recalculation: Fake claims that you are owed "compensation" or a recalculated refund. They request a direct email reply with copies of your driver's licence, Medicare card, or payslips.

Red Flags to Spot Fake ATO Emails

• Embedded Links or QR Codes: Real ATO and myGov electronic communications do not include hyperlinks to access online services.
• Suspicious Sender Addresses: Fake accounts try to look legitimate, but official emails from the tax office will only come from an address ending strictly in .ato.gov.au.
• Extreme Threats and Urgency: Scammers rely on panic, threatening immediate arrest, legal action, or the cancellation of your TFN. The real ATO does not operate this way.

What to Do

1. Stop: Do not click links, reply to the email, or download any attachments.
2. Check: Verify communications safely by logging into your official myGov account or the official ATO online portal independently via your browser. Alternatively, call the official ATO scam verification line directly at 1800 008 540.
3. Reject & Report: Forward the full email or send a screenshot of the text to ReportScams@ato.gov.au, then delete it permanently.

If you have already accidentally shared your bank details or myGov credentials with a suspected scammer, contact your financial institution immediately to freeze your funds and call the ATO support line on 1800 008 540 to protect your identity.