ATO Warns Of Another Tax Refund Email Scam

by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong

02 February 2009

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning people about another email scam being circulated that claims to offer a refund from the Tax Office.

The email asks people to update personal and credit card details in order to receive a tax refund, and is similar to previous scams. It uses the Tax Office logo and words ‘Get Refunds On Your Visa Or Master Card’ in the subject line.

There may also be more variations to this subject heading.

The email asks people to click on a link which redirects them to a bogus website that looks similar to the Tax Office website and asks for credit card and personal details.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said people should always be wary of any unsolicited emails claiming to be from the Tax Office, particularly when they ask for credit card details, explaining:

“The Tax Office does not send people emails asking them to provide credit card details."

“Anyone who receives such an email should delete it immediately."

“As an extra precaution we recommend you type internet addresses directly into your internet browser rather than clicking on hyperlinks embedded in emails,” D’Ascenzo added.

The ATO is warning individuals who have entered their credit card information on the website to report it to their credit card provider as soon as possible.

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