We know that navigating tax season can be daunting but throw in the increasing threat of tax scams and it’s even trickier. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can protect your personal information and financial security.
Below are 10 simple tips you can follow which will help you recognise common scams and how to avoid them. These 10 practical tips to identify phishing emails & reporting suspicious activity will enable you to safeguard your identity & prevent any financial losses during this upcoming tax season.
1. Beware of phishing emails: Phishing emails are frequently being sent out by scammers, in this instance they will be pretending to be from myGov or other related government agencies. Often phishing emails ask for you to provide personal information & other sensitive details such as your myGov username and password.
2. Verify email sources: A quick and easy way to help determine if an email from myGov or government agencies is legitimate before responding, is to always double check the sender’s email address. Typically, any official emails from myGov will come from addresses ending in @my.gov.au
3. Avoid clicking on links: Think before you click! Be cautious of any links that are included in emails that are allegedly from myGov. Instead of clicking links, you’re best to manually type in the myGov website address to your browser to access your account.
4. Watch for urgency or threats: Often phishing emails will create a sense of urgency or be threatening to try coercing you into taking immediate action. Always be sceptical of emails that claim your myGov account could be suspended or you may face penalties if you don’t respond to the email promptly. The same goes with offers of refunds or overpayments.
5. Never share personal information: Remember that official representative of myGov or government agencies won’t ever ask you to provide them with personal information via email. This includes your password, tax file number or banking details. If you receive unsolicited emails, avoid sharing this information in response.
6. Report suspicious emails: It’s important that if you receive any suspicious emails claiming to be from myGov or other government agencies, you report them to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or even the myGov help desk. If the email you receive is regarding taxation, you can forward the email to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). To do this you can:
- Phone the ATO on 1800 008 540.
- Forwarding the scam email to ReportScams@ato.gov.au
- Take screenshots of fake social media posts and email them to ReportScams@ato.gov.au
7. Use two-factor authentication: A good safeguard of your myGov account is to enable two-factor authentication if possible (2FA). By adding 2FA you add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password when logging in, such as a code sent to your mobile phone.
8. Stay informed: Keeping up to date with the latest scam alerts and security advice from the ATO, myGov and any other relevant government agencies. Often these organisations will provide information around common scams and ways to protect yourself against them.
9. Educate others: Tell your friends, family and colleagues about myGov phishing scams so you can spread awareness. Encourage them to also be vigilant and to report any suspicious emails they receive.
10. Regularly monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your account activity on your myGov account and linked services such as the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare or Department Veterans Affairs. If you notice any suspicious or unauthorised activity, or changes to your account, report it immediately.
You can review further information about active scams and examples of myGov impersonation scams on their website.
By making sure you’re aware of the risks associated with the myGov phishing emails, and making sure you are proactive in taking measures to protect your account, you’re able to safeguard your personal information and minimise the risk of falling victim to a scam.
Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.
