ato / financial-support
ATO scam message checklist
Check suspicious tax refund, debt and identity messages against official ATO and Scamwatch guidance.
- ato
- financial-support
- national
- scams
ato
Tax scams often create pressure around refunds, debts or identity checks. Slow down and verify the message through official ATO channels.
Safety and advice boundary
This is general navigation support only. It is not legal, financial, medical, eligibility, migration or crisis counselling advice. It cannot confirm your eligibility for any service. If someone is in immediate danger in Australia, call 000.
Plain-English answer
Tax scams often create pressure around refunds, debts or identity checks. Slow down and verify the message through official ATO channels.
Who this helps
People who received a tax text, email, call or social message that asks them to act quickly.
What to do next
- 1Do not click the message link.
- 2Use the official ATO scam verification page.
- 3Report suspicious messages if the official guidance says to do so.
Check before you act
Refund promises and threats can both be used to push people into sharing details.
Official sources
- Australian Taxation Office - verify or report a scam
Official ATO scam verification and reporting guidance.
- Scamwatch
Official scam awareness and reporting information from the National Anti-Scam Centre.