Phishing scams

Hello everyone - a bit of info for you to be aware of! This warning was issued by the ATO on 15th October 2007.

"The Tax Office is warning people about a fraudulent email being circulated that claims to offer a refund from the Tax Office.

The email is similar to a scam from June and fraudulently uses the Tax Office logo and the words ‘Australian Taxation Office – Notification’ or ‘Australian Taxation Office – Please Read This’ in the subject line (there may also be variations to these titles).

Acting Tax Commissioner Greg Farr said anyone who receives the email should delete it immediately.

The email asks people to click on a link which redirects them to a bogus website that looks similar to the Tax Office website and asks for credit card and personal details in order to receive a refund.

The email and website are not affiliated with the Tax Office in any way.

“With the 31 October deadline for tax returns approaching, people should be particularly wary of any unsolicited emails claiming to be from the Tax Office,” Mr Farr said.

“The Tax Office will never send an email to people asking them to provide personal information or credit card details.”

The Tax Office has notified relevant authorities who are investigating.

As an extra precaution people should type internet addresses directly into their internet browser rather than clicking on hyperlinks embedded in emails.

People who have entered their credit card information through this email should contact their credit card provider immediately and report a possible compromise."

Be aware!