scam Archives - dmca advisory

Scam Alerts

Clients should be aware of the rising level of scam alerts that have been occurring since February this year.

Many scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to play on people’s fears. There have been multiple reports of phishing scams sent via email or text message that claim to be providing official information on COVID-19, but are really attempts to obtain personal data.

Scammers pretending to be from the ATO have also been calling or texting members of the community, telling them that they have a tax debt and if they don’t pay they will be arrested. Scammers will often request payment through unusual methods, such as cryptocurrency, pre-paid credit cards or gift cards.

If you receive a communication like this, do not send payment or provide any personal information. Hang up or delete the message immediately. If you wish to confirm if the message is from the ATO, call 1800 008 540 to check.

ATO Scam Alert

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.