Pretending to be governmentPretends to be: ATO22 Sep 2026
Fake ATO tax refund emails
At tax time, scammers send emails saying you're owed a refund and asking you to log in or give bank details.
What it looks like
An email with the ATO logo saying a refund is ready and you need to confirm your details.
Australian Taxation Office: You are eligible for a refund of $642.18. Confirm your bank details to receive it: [link removed]
How to spot it
- The ATO doesn't email links to log in
- It promises money you weren't expecting
- It asks for bank or card details
What to do
- Don't click the link
- Check your tax through myGov by typing the address yourself
- Forward it to us to check
Information:
Who to report it to
- Your bank, on the number on the back of your card — straight away if you paid.
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au (if you lost money or your accounts were hacked)
Warn your family and friends