ATO urges vigilance: new TFN and ABN scams

The ATO is urging taxpayers to be vigilant following an increase in reports of fake websites offering to provide tax file numbers (TFN) and Australian business numbers (ABN) for a fee, but failing to provide those services.

The fake TFN and ABN services are often advertised on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The advertisements offer to obtain a TFN or ABN on behalf of a person or business, for a fee. But instead of delivering this service, the scammer uses the fraudulent websites to steal both money and personal information.

It’s important to note that the ATO and Australian Business Register (ABR) do not charge fees for providing a TFN or an ABN. It’s free, quick and easy to use government services online to apply for a TFN through the ATO, or apply for an ABN through the ABR.

In 2021, more than 50,000 people reported various ATO impersonation scams, with victims losing a total of more than $800,000.

In addition to the ATO being concerned about the recent increase in numbers of victims reporting scams around TFN and ABN applications, it says it is still seeing scammers impersonating the ATO, making threats, demanding the payment of fake tax debts or claiming a TFN has been “suspended” due to fraud.

The ATO notes that those who apply for a TFN or ABN through a tax agent should also always check that the tax agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.

Tips to protect your clients from scammers

• Know your tax affairs – You will be notified about your tax debt before it is due. Check if you have a legitimate debt owed by logging into your myGov account or by calling your tax agent if you have one. Find the contact details for the ATO or your tax agent independently by searching online or using your own paper records – don’t trust details provided by possible scammers.
• Guard your personal and financial information – Be careful when clicking on links, downloading files or opening attachments. Only give your personal information to people you trust and don’t share it on social media.
• If you’re not sure, don’t engage – If a call, SMS or email leaves you wondering if it’s genuine, don’t reply. Instead, you should phone the ATO’s dedicated scam line on 1800 008 540 to check if it is legitimate. You can also verify or report a scam online at www.ato.gov.au/scams and visit ScamWatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au to get information about scams (not just tax scams).
• Know legitimate ways to make payments – Scammers may use threatening tactics to trick people into paying fake debts via unusual methods. For example, they might demand pre-paid gift cards or transfers to non-ATO bank accounts. To check that a payment method is legitimate, visit www.ato.gov.au/howtopay.
• Talk to your family and friends about scams to help them stay informed – And if you or someone you know has fallen victim to a tax-related scam, call the ATO as soon as you can.