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Scam alert: Tax-time ATO and myGov impersonation texts are surging. The ATO never sends login links by text. See the current wave

Alert: Tax time ATO and myGov impersonation scams

4 min readReviewed October 2026 · Internet Safety Australia Editorial Team

In short

  1. The ATO and myGov never text or email you a link to log in or claim a refund.
  2. Real ATO contact never threatens immediate arrest or demands gift cards.
  3. Check your account only via the official myGov app or by typing my.gov.au yourself.

Every tax time (June–October), impersonation of the ATO and myGov surges across Australia. The lures are polished and the timing is perfect — millions of us are genuinely expecting tax contact. Current waves verified against Scamwatch alerts include:

  • “Tax refund ready” texts and emails with a link to a fake myGov login — the page steals your credentials.
  • “Your myGov account will be suspended” emails demanding you “verify” via a link.
  • Phone calls claiming a tax debt or “TFN suspension”, threatening arrest unless you pay immediately — often by gift card or crypto.
  • Fake “ATO” social media accounts offering to “help” with your return in DMs.

The rules that never change

The ATO will never send you a link to log in, never threaten immediate arrest, never demand payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer, and never ask you to keep a call secret. Any contact breaking these rules is a scam — full stop.

If you get one

  • Don’t click, don’t reply, don’t call the number given.
  • Check your real account via the official myGov app or by typing my.gov.au into your browser.
  • Unsure about a phone call? Hang up and call the ATO on its published number (1800 008 540 to verify ATO contact).
  • Forward scam texts to 7226, report to Scamwatch, and delete.
  • Entered your myGov details on a fake page? Change your password immediately, turn on 2FA, and call IDCARE (1800 595 160) — myGov access opens Centrelink, ATO and Medicare.

Common questions

Where to report this

Report to Scamwatch

All types of scams — phishing, investment, romance, shopping, impersonation. Reports help track and disrupt scam activity.

Go to Scamwatch (leaves our site — official service)

Official sources for this guide

Reviewed October 2026 by Internet Safety Australia Editorial Team. Internet Safety Australia is independent and not a government website.