It is now a way of life – all our private information is online and there for the taking. And we all assume it is safe because it is on a secure website.
Nothing is secure!
In recent times we have heard of banks, major communication companies and health funds falling victim to scammers. And now we are getting reports that myGov accounts are being hacked.
“In the past weeks we have had at least 10 clients’ myGov accounts hacked and their personal details changed,” said David from Oculus.
The hacker’s intention is to falsify your information to create a tax refund. Once the hacker has gained access to your account they will change your passwords, residential addresses, and bank accounts, register for GST and initiate amendments to prior year tax returns. The tax refund that they have created will of course be paid into the new bank account attached to your myGov account that has nothing to do with you.
It is important to note that while the ATO may use SMS or email to ask you to contact them they will never ask you to return personal information through these channels.
Via email or SMS the ATO / myGov will NEVER ask for:
- Passwords
- Personal information (name, address, birthdate etc)
- Tax File Number
- Bank or credit card details
- You to open a link or sign a document.
And that’s not all The ATO will never do:
- The ATO will never contact you via social media, like Facebook or Twitter to ask for personal information.
- The ATO will never call you demanding payment or threatening imprisonment.
- The ATO will never request payment for a tax debt be loaded onto a prepaid card.
It is important to understand that your accountant does not have access to your myGov account. At Oculus we will never proceed with any amendments to any prior returns without first advising you.
We are here to help! If you receive a text message from the ATO, treat it as very suspicious and contact the ATO immediately. Contact us if you have any questions or if we can help in any way. For more information visit the ATO website.
Most of all stay vigilant, and don’t give out your information unless you are 100% sure of whom it is going to.
