The ATO are seeing an increased number of reports of scammers contacting members of the public pretending they are from the ATO and claiming that there are outstanding debts and threatening legal action.

It is important to remember that while these calls may appear to be legitimate, the ATO will never:

• threaten you with arrest
• demand immediate payment particularly through unusual means such as bitcoin, pre-paid credit cards or gift cards.
• refuse to allow you to speak with your dmca Advisor.

Never call a scammer back on the number they provide. Instead, record the number, hang up and call the ATO on 1800 008 540 to check if the call was, in fact, legitimate and if not they will take you through the steps required to report a scam.