Police are urging Victorians to be vigilant as $2 million has been lost in myGov Tax scams since June 30.
Scammers have fraudulently attempted to access government services to myGov, including ATO accounts, during tax time, The Cybercrime Squad said.
The scammer then either generates fraudulent payments in the victim’s name, or redirects tax refunds to be paid into their own accounts.
READ MORE: Maori King Tūheitia dies in New Zealand
More than 300 reports have been made to Victoria Police since June 30, with $2 million lost so far.
they have received 180 reports of payment redirection, 66 reports of unauthorised online account access, 48 reports of myGov impersonation via SMS and 15 reports of identity takeover through myGov.
Common ways scammers are getting into accounts include links to a fake myGoc website through phishing emails and SMS scams.
Once on the fake site, victims will be prompted to enter their details, unknowingly giving scammers access to their real myGov accounts.
They will then change the phone number and email associated to the account, preventing the victim from receiving any genuine notifications from myGov.
Have you lost money to a scam impersonating myGov? Share your story with reporter Maddison Leach here.
Phrases being used by these scammers include
You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund”You have a new message in your myGov inbox – click here to view”You need to update your details to allow your Tax return to be processed”We need to verify your incoming tax deposit”ATO Refund failed due to incorrect BSB/Account number’ ‘Your income statement is ready, click on the link to view’
Detective Senior Sergeant John Cheyne from the Cybercrime Squad said Victorians need to stay vigilant and proactive to fight against scammers.
“We’re encouraging everyone to be hypervigilant when it comes to scams such as these,” he said.
“Never click on a link sent to you that is purporting to be from the Australian Taxation Office or myGov, they will never ask you to access any online services via a link.
“We’d also recommend you conduct a bi-yearly health check of your accounts.
“Check your credit score or log in to your myGov account to make sure no edits have been made throughout the year that weren’t done by you.
Anyone who suspects their tax information or personal identity documents have been stolen should contact the ATO as soon as possible on 1800 467 033.
links to content on ABC
9News
