SMSThis week
Fake ATO refund link
Texts claiming you're owed a refund and asking you to click a link. The ATO will never SMS you a refund link.
Scam prevention
Stay one step ahead of scammers.
Real-time alerts on scams targeting Australians, plus a community reporting form. For urgent fraud, always contact Scamwatch and your bank first.
Active alerts
Scams we're seeing right now, reported by the community.
PhoneOngoing
Threatening voicemail impersonating the ATO
Robocalls claiming you have unpaid tax and threatening arrest. Legitimate agencies never threaten arrest by phone.
EmailThis month
myGov 'account suspended' phishing email
Emails styled to look like myGov asking you to log in to 'unlock' your account.
Red flags to watch for
- Urgency or threats — real agencies don't pressure you.
- Requests for your TFN, passwords, or bank login.
- Links to log in via SMS or email — always go direct.
- Asking for payment by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer.
- Caller ID matches a real agency — numbers can be spoofed.
Report a suspicious message
Help us warn others. We do not contact your bank or the ATO on your behalf.
Payments
Spotting payment scams
How genuine payment, refund and instalment messages differ from scam attempts.
Understand a payment plan
We explain instalment letters and how to check the amounts against your own records.
Confirm a refund is genuine
Log in to the official account yourself instead of tapping links in a message.
Keep track of payment dates
Mark reporting and payment dates so nothing is missed or paid twice.
Reminder: we never ask for payment details, card numbers, bank logins, or myGov passwords. Only pay through official government or bank channels.