Overseas scammers are using genuine ATO phone numbers and advanced robocall technology

The overseas scammers are using 'robocall' technology which impersonate legitimate tax office phone numbers to target people across the country.

"Scammers are sending pre-recorded messages in record numbers and are manipulating caller identification so that your phone displays a legitimate ATO phone number despite coming from an overseas scammer," said Assistant Commissioner Gavin Siebert. 

The technique of displaying misleading phone numbers is known as "spoofing" and is commonly used by scammers in an attempt to make their calls appear legitimate.

"We are now seeing thousands of Australians missing a call from a scammer, returning the call based on the number on caller ID and speaking to legitimate members of the ATO. Our calls do not show a number on caller ID nor do we use pre-recorded messages," said Mr Siebert.

The scammers are demanding payment of a fictitious tax debt - usually through unusual methods like bitcoin, gift coins and vouchers - and threaten the call receiver with immediate arrest, attempt to keep you on the line until payment is made and may become rude and aggressive.

The ATO has received 40,225 reports of impersonation scams so far in 2019.  

"Taxpayers should be wary of any unexpected phone call, text message or email claiming to be from the tax office. While we may contact you in these ways, if it doesn't seem right, independently find our phone number and check if the contact was legitimate. If you receive a pre-recorded message claiming to be from us either hang up or simply delete the voicemail," Mr Siebert said.

While the ATO regularly contacts taxpayers by phone, email and SMS, there are some tell-tale signs that it isn't the ATO.

The ATO will not:

You can report an ATO scam to the organisation's dedicated scam reporting line: 1800 008 540.

Top tips to protect yourself from scammers:

For details on other scams doing the rounds visit ScamWatch

The Senior