The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reported more than a 300% increase in email impersonation scams in the last year.

ATO impersonation scams are generally at their peak at tax time. Scammers know Australians are focused on lodging their tax return, updating their personal information and may be anticipating refunds.

There are things you can do to protect yourself:

• Download the ATO app to securely, quickly, and easily manage your tax and super on the go.
• Always access ATO online services directly via ato.gov.au, my.gov.au or the ATO app. Do not click on links or attachments.
• Use myID and set to the highest identity strength you can achieve. It’s the most secure and flexible way to access ATO online services.

Follow these 3 steps to protect yourself from scams this tax time:

1. Stop: Never share your myGov sign in details. Only share personal information if you trust the person and they genuinely require it. If in doubt, don’t disclose anything.
2. Check: Take a second to check. Ask yourself if it could be fake. Is it really the ATO? If a link or QR code is directing you to provide information or to log into an online portal, don’t click on it.
3. Protect: Act quickly. If an interaction doesn’t feel right, don’t engage with it. Visit the ATO website or phone the ATO on 1800 008 540 to check.

Find out more at ato.gov.au/scamsafe