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As we start to file our taxes for the last financial year, it's important to remember that while it's tax time for us, it's prime scamming season for cyber criminals. 

Warnings from ACMA

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is warning consumers to be particularly vigilant for tax-themed scam emails, SMS, and calls over the coming months. Cyber attackers are set to exploit Australians submitting tax returns or awaiting assessment outcomes.

Common tactics of cyber criminals during tax time

According to ACMA, the most common tactics include:

• Robo-calls or calls from individuals impersonating Australian Tax Office (ATO) officials or other government departments demanding urgent payment of a tax debt or requesting personal information to process a tax refund.
• Emails or SMS messages pretending to be from MyGov, which include links to provide financial information to receive non-existent refunds.

How to protect your business? Safety starts with awareness

Your business is your fortress. Guard it with smart strategies that leave scammers second-guessing. 

Here are some simple steps to protect your business:

• Don't trust the contact information provided by callers or in emails and SMS.
• Never share your personal information or make payments to unknown callers over the phone.
• Cyber security isn't just about tech. It's about people too. Train employees to resist clicking on links in emails or SMS. These could be phishing scams designed to steal personal details.
• Build a cyber safe culture in your business. Simple steps like using strong passwords, disabling unused accounts, and limiting access rights only to those who need it can be small steps that go a long way in protecting you and your business. 

Remember, the ATO will never threaten you with arrest, demand immediate payment, or cancel or suspend your Tax File Number. If in doubt, contact the ATO directly at 1800 008 540 to verify the authenticity of a call or message.

Not sure where to start?

Scammers target everyone. I encourage you to learn how to identify scams and discuss these strategies with friends and family. Protect yourself and your loved ones. 

If you suspect your identity has been compromised or you've fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE at 1800 595 160. Report suspicious activities to Scamwatch.

Need help in safeguarding your digital presence? Connect with us at CyberUnlocked. We work with Australian businesses to build a secure digital world, one step at a time.