The ATO is warning community members after an increasing number of people are paying fake tax debt due to a phone scam claiming that if they don’t pay it straight away they will be arrested.
The call is a recording that states that the tax file number has been suspended due to outstanding debt and that “you must press 1 to learn about your legal case”.
The Australian Tax Office is urging Australians who are receiving the scam calls to call 1800 008 540, or go report a scam – which shows how to spot and report a scam. The ATO’s official advice if you’re concerned that a phone call, SMS text message, voice mail or email you receive claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is not genuine is not to reply to it.
If you have given any personal information or payment, call our offices immediately and we will be able to assist you further or contact Services Australia directly on 1800 941 126.
