Warning of current ATO phone scam

01 Sep 2015

PKF Mack have become aware of a current phone scam, with callers claiming to be from the ATO.

The callers generally advise of a fake tax debt and then attempt to intimidate the recipient of the call into paying the debt with threats of court, jail or arrest.

The ATO have advised that they will never make a cold call about a tax debt.  If you have a debt, the ATO will send a letter or an SMS with a reminder to pay in the first instance.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO and are unsure if the call is legitimate, ask for the caller's name, hang up and then call the ATO on 13 28 69.

Scammers may also use SMS and emails.  Examples of types of scams are available at the ATO's website, along with details on how to report a scam to the ATO.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact any of our Taxation team.