ATO / tax scam
Fake ATO messages threatening arrest or offering refunds.
How it works
A voicemail or SMS says you owe tax and a warrant is out, demanding payment by gift card or crypto. Or a 'refund' SMS links to a phishing page.
Common scenarios to watch for
This scam shows up in several different shapes. Recognise the pattern, not just one message.
Refund phishing
An SMS or email says you have a tax refund waiting. The link goes to a fake myGov login that captures your username, password and SMS code.
"ATO: You have a refund of $824.50. Confirm your bank details to receive: mygov-refund-au.com"
Red flags to spot
- Are you being offered a tax refund you weren't expecting?
- Does the link not point to my.gov.au or ato.gov.au?
- Is the page asking for your myGov username, password, and SMS code?
- Are you being pressured to act within a short deadline?
Arrest-warrant threat
An aggressive caller claims you owe back taxes and a warrant will be served unless you pay in gift cards or crypto within hours.
"Final notice. A warrant in your name will be executed by AFP today unless $7,200 is paid in Apple gift cards."
Red flags to spot
- Is the caller threatening arrest, deportation, or legal action?
- Are they demanding payment by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer?
- Did they claim to be from the ATO but use aggression and urgency?
- Does the real ATO ever demand immediate payment to avoid arrest? (No.)
Fake TFN suspension
Targeted at students and new migrants — your TFN is 'linked to fraud' and will be suspended. They walk you through transferring funds to a 'safe ATO account' for review.
"ATO compliance: your TFN is suspended due to suspicious activity. Call 02-xxxx to verify before deportation."
Red flags to spot
- Are you being told your TFN is suspended or linked to fraud?
- Are they asking you to transfer money to a 'safe' or 'holding' account?
- Is the threat tied to your visa or immigration status?
- Did they ask you not to tell anyone or hang up the phone?
Red flags
- 🚩Threats of arrest or deportation
- 🚩Payment by gift card, crypto, or bank transfer to a personal account
- 🚩Link to a non-myGov / non-ato.gov.au URL
What to do
- 1The ATO never threatens arrest or asks for crypto/gift cards.
- 2Call the ATO scam line on 1800 008 540 to verify.
- 3Report and delete the message.
Who's targeted
- Anyone with an active TFN — especially migrants worried about visa impact.
- Seniors easily intimidated by 'official' language.
Why it works
- Threats of arrest, deportation or warrants create panic that overrides logic.
- Robocalls scale the attack across thousands of numbers per hour.
Common variations
Different shapes of the same scam — recognise the pattern.
- 1'Final notice' refund SMS linking to a phishing myGov.
- 2Robocall threatening arrest unless you pay in gift cards.
- 3WeChat 'consul officer' demanding crypto to clear a tax warrant.
If you've already been scammed
- 1Call the ATO scam line on 1800 008 540 to verify any contact.
- 2If you paid, report to your bank and Scamwatch immediately.
- 3If you shared ID details, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Frequently asked
Does the ATO ever call?▾
Yes, but they never threaten arrest or demand gift cards / crypto.
How do I check if I owe tax?▾
Log in to myGov directly — never click a link in an SMS or email.
Will my visa be affected if I ignore a real ATO debt?▾
Talk to the ATO directly on 13 28 61 — they have hardship options.
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