A major tax-related scam has swept across Australia, with warnings issued that up to fifteen million people may be at risk. The scam targets Centrelink and ATO customers by impersonating official communication channels, creating confusion and urgency at a time when many Australians are expecting tax refunds or benefit payments.
How the Scam Works
The fraud usually begins with text messages, emails, or even direct phone calls claiming to be from Centrelink or the ATO. Victims are told there is an issue with their tax return, a suspended payment, or even a refund waiting to be claimed.
These messages push recipients to click on fraudulent links leading to fake myGov or ATO login pages. Once people enter their details, scammers can access sensitive personal data, bank information, and even redirect payments.
A Sharp Increase in Fraud
Authorities report a dramatic rise in impersonation scams, with incidents increasing by more than 150 percent in just the past year. Cybersecurity experts warn that artificial intelligence is now being used to generate realistic phishing emails, clone voices for phone scams, and build fake help desks that appear legitimate. This new wave of digital fraud has created a 300 percent increase in impersonation attempts compared to the previous year.
Why Tax Season Makes Australians Vulnerable
The scam is particularly effective during tax time, when millions of Australians are waiting on refunds or reviewing their benefit status. The pressure to act quickly combined with the stress of managing finances makes people more likely to respond to urgent messages without double-checking their authenticity. Accountants across the country have reported clients losing thousands of dollars within hours of engaging with fraudulent emails.
Government Warnings and Safety Guidelines
Government agencies are urging Australians to stay vigilant. Official communication from Centrelink and the ATO will never contain embedded links or QR codes for logging in. Instead, users are advised to manually type in addresses such as my.gov.au or ato.gov.au to access accounts safely. Authorities also stress that no official agency will ever ask for personal details like Tax File Numbers, bank credentials, or myGov logins through unsolicited emails or phone calls.
Scam vs Official Practice
| What Scammers Do | What Official Agencies (Centrelink/ATO) Do |
|---|---|
| Send urgent, fear-inducing messages with “click this link” for refund or update | Never include clickable links or QR codes—direct log-in required |
| Fake emails, texts, or calls using similar logos or wording but strange domains | Use emails from verified domains and never ask for personal info |
| Request personal details: TFN, banking info, myGov credentials | Will not ask for sensitive information via unsolicited contact |
| Use AI tools to create realistic messages or cloned voices | Communications are text-based and come from official channels only |
| Impersonate Centrelink/ATO staff or tax agents to bypass legitimate professionals | Will never ask you to disconnect from your trusted adviser |
What to Do if You’re Targeted
If you receive a suspicious message, the safest step is to ignore the communication and report it directly to Services Australia or the ATO. People who have already provided details are advised to immediately change their login credentials and contact their bank to secure their accounts. Confirming directly with the government via official helplines or websites is the only safe way to verify if there is an issue.
A Call for Extra Vigilance
This new wave of Centrelink and tax scams highlights the need for Australians to be alert during tax season and beyond. With millions at risk, awareness is the most effective defence. Remember the rule: Stop. Check. Protect. Never let scammers use fear and urgency to steal your information.