Tax Scams Are Getting Smarter in 2025—Here’s How to Stay Ahead

By
R J Sanderson & Associates Pty Ltd
Published on 
July 29, 2025
5 mins
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Every tax season, scammers get more sophisticated—and 2025 is no exception. From fake ATO messages to AI-generated calls, tax fraud has become harder to detect and more damaging for those who get caught out.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, how to identify tax scams, and what to do if you’ve already been targeted.

What Is an ATO Scam?

An ATO scam is any fraudulent attempt to steal personal or financial information by pretending to be the Australian Taxation Office. These scams often arrive via:

  • SMS or email requesting payment or login details
  • Phone calls threatening legal action
  • Fake websites made to look like the ATO portal
  • Voicemails impersonating tax agents or compliance officers

The goal? Trick you into sharing sensitive information or making payments to the wrong account.

Common Warning Signs of Tax Scams

You might think you'd know a scam when you see one—but the reality is, many are deceptively professional.

Watch out for:

  • Unsolicited contact asking for personal or bank details
  • Threats of arrest or penalties for unpaid tax
  • Poor grammar or strange formatting in emails or texts
  • Unusual payment requests, such as via gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • Pressure to act urgently, such as “your TFN will be cancelled in 24 hours”

If it feels suspicious, it probably is.

Are ATO Scams Common in 2025?

Yes—and they’re increasing. The ATO reports thousands of scam reports each month, with many Australians losing thousands of dollars each year to these tactics. This year, scammers are also using AI-generated voice calls and spoofed phone numbers to sound more convincing.

Cybercriminals are also targeting small business owners and retirees—groups seen as more likely to respond to legitimate-sounding tax requests.

Trending Tax Scams to Be Aware of

Here are the scam types currently doing the rounds in 2025:

  • Fake MyGov login links via SMS
  • Email impersonation of accountants requesting early payments
  • AI voice calls claiming to be the ATO with urgent debt collection demands
  • “Tax refund” scams asking you to provide bank details to process money

If you receive a message or call that seems off, stop and verify before acting. You can call the ATO’s scam line or speak with your trusted accountant.

Can I Get My Money Back If I Got Scammed?

It depends.

If you've sent funds to a scammer, contact your bank immediately to see if the transaction can be reversed. The sooner you act, the better the chance of recovery.

Also report the incident to:

  • The ATO at 1800 008 540 or via their report a scam page
  • ReportCyber for cybercrime tracking
  • The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch

You can also speak with our Accounting and Business Advisory team for support—especially if your business systems were compromised or if you suspect internal fraud.

How to Identify a Scammer in Australia

Scammers don’t wear name tags—but their tactics follow patterns. Here’s what sets them apart:

  • They create a sense of panic—demanding fast payment or threatening arrest
  • They refuse to let you call back or verify the request independently
  • They use generic greetings, like “Dear customer,” rather than your name
  • They don’t have a proper ABN or contact information
  • They may try to get you to click a link or download an attachment

A legitimate tax agent or ATO contact will never ask you to send money via crypto, gift card, or instant transfer services.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources
  • Always verify phone numbers before calling back
  • Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
  • Use strong, unique passwords for online portals
  • Consider engaging Cyber Security Solutions to strengthen your business’s digital defences

Want to go deeper? Read our guide on how to protect yourself from cybercrime for practical steps.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you’ve been targeted:

  1. Don’t engage further. Cease all communication with the scammer.
  2. Secure your accounts. Change your MyGov, email, and banking passwords.
  3. Contact your bank. Act fast to block or reverse payments.
  4. Report the scam. Notify the ATO and Scamwatch.
  5. Get professional support. An accountant or adviser can guide you through the next steps and check if any of your tax records have been accessed or misused.

Don’t Face It Alone

Tax time can be stressful enough without scam threats hanging over your head.

Our team at RJS is here to help you lodge safely, spot red flags, and plan with confidence.

Whether you’re concerned about a suspicious message or want to strengthen your business’s defences, let’s talk.

Speak to an RJS Accountant Today

This article is published by R J Sanderson and Associates Pty Ltd ABN 71 060 299 783. This article contains general information only and is not intended to represent specific personal advice (Accounting, taxation, financial or credit). No individual personal circumstances have been taken into consideration for the preparation of this material. It is recommended that you obtain your own personal professional advice before making any financial or business decision.

R J Sanderson & Associates Pty Ltd
Last modifed
July 31, 2025

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