Do not be scammed

The Australian Government and Australian Tax Office are warning Australians to keep an eye out for fake/impersonation scams. Scammers want to get their hands on more than just your money. Your personal info is just as valuable.

You might be familiar with scams that ‘phish’ for personal and financial information – like your TFN, myGov details, address, or date of birth – by pretending to be government agencies. Criminals can use these details to drain your bank accounts, buy expensive goods and even scam your family and friends.

Scamwatch reports over $1.26 million lost and more than 7100 reports made as in June however in reality the losses are likely to be far greater. Reported scams increased during tax time with text messages claiming to be from myGov or from agencies claiming to help victims gain early access to their superannuation.

“Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of the financial difficulties and uncertainty generated from the COVID-19 pandemic to trick unsuspecting Australians,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

From 1 January-5 July 2020 Scamwatch has received:

• 67 reports of scams involving impersonation of the Department of Health, or state Department of Health and Human Services, with losses over $8700
• 443 reports of scams involving Australian Federal Police impersonations with losses over $176,000
• 1,070 reports of scams involving Services Australia impersonations with losses over $94,000
• 1,638 reports of scams involving myGov impersonations with losses over $105,000
• 2,016 reports of scams involving Department of Home Affairs impersonations with losses over $99,000
• 2,389 reports of scams involving ATO impersonations with losses over $905,000.

If you have been scammed and needed to change any of your contact information, please get in touch with our office.