In the past year, police received 978 reports relating to tax fraud, with a total reported loss of $278,000.
During that same period, there were 303 reports relating to fraudulent online stores, with $729,000 lost.
In response to the reports, the force’s Cybercrime Squad issued domain take down requests for 20 sites linked to myGov phishing activity and 139 related to fake online stores.
Scammers use several methods to steal their victim’s identities, including sending emails and texts impersonating government agencies with links to fake myGov websites, built to appear legitimate.
Once a potential victim is lured to the fake myGov sites, they’re prompted to enter their details, allowing criminals to pose as the victim, generate fraudulent payments in their name, or redirect tax returns to be paid into the scammers’ accounts.
Common phrases currently used by scammers
- ‘You are due to receive an ATO direct refund’
- ‘You have a new message in your myGov inbox – click here to view’
- ‘You need to update your details to allow your tax return to be processed’
- ‘We need to verify your incoming tax deposit’
- ‘ATO refund failed due to incorrect BSB/account number’
- ‘Your income statement is ready, click on the link to view’
Fake websites are also being used to target consumers browsing for end-of-financial-year sales, with stolen logos, layouts, and Australian Business Numbers utilised to create convincing duplicates of popular brands’ pages.
Cybercrime Squad Detective Acting Inspector Carl Keenan said criminals were paying to boost these fake sites on search pages, highlighting the need for people to remain vigilant.
“You should also be wary of sponsored ads either within a browser or on social media,” he said.
“If something looks too good to be true it probably is.”
Police are urging people to set up two-factor authentication on their accounts and reminding them that myGov and the Australian Taxation Office will never send them a link to access online services.
“Make sure you access your accounts through legitimate apps or via independent searches,” Det Insp Keenan said.
“Always check that the website is secure. If you’re unsure, always type the full website URL into the address bar yourself.“
Anyone who suspects their tax file number has been compromised should call the ATO on 1800 467 033.
Those who have interacted with a suspicious message should contact the Scams and Identity Theft help desk on 1800 941 126 or email reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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