Australian Taxation Office scams
Scams currently impersonating ATO, based on ATO's own security warnings. Last checked 22 September 2026.
Current ATO scams
- ATO Email Scam: Fake Payment Update That Installs Remote Access SoftwareScam emails claiming to be from the ATO say you have a payment update or need to review your income statement, then download software that gives scammers access.
- ATO Appointment Email Scam: Fake Phone Appointment With a myGov LinkEmails claim an ATO phone appointment has been booked for you and include an attachment linking to a fake myGov sign in page that steals your details.
How to tell if it’s really the ATO
The ATO says it will never:
- send an unsolicited email or text that directs you to a log in page
- send an unsolicited text message containing a link
- ask you to reply with personal information such as your tax file number, payslips, driver’s licence or Medicare details
- threaten arrest, prosecution or legal action by email or text
- use DocuSign to finalise a tax refund
Genuine ATO messages can be found in ATO online services: sign in to myGov yourself (type my.gov.au into your browser) to check. If you’re unsure whether contact is real, don’t engage and call the ATO on 1800 008 540.
If you’ve already clicked or paid
If you gave information or money to a scammer, call the ATO immediately on 1800 008 540.