Joint media release between the ATO and Services Australia
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Services Australia are warning the community about a new email impersonation scam that is doing the rounds. The fake emails claim to be from "myGov" and include screen shots of the myGovID app. The email asks people to click a link to verify their identity using a "secure form" which takes them to a fake myGov page requesting personal identifying information and banking details.
myGovID is an app that can be used to prove who you are when accessing government online services. ATO systems, myGov, and myGovID have not been compromised.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Ben Foster said this new phishing scam contains classic warning signs that it is not legitimate, for example, asking people to click a link to confirm their details and spelling errors.
"The ATO and myGov does send emails and SMS messages, however will never send you an email or SMS with a hyperlink directing you to a login page for our online services," Mr Foster said.
"In the lead up to tax time, we expect to see more of these malicious attempts to harvest identity details. So we encourage everyone to be on alert and take the time to remind family and friends to be on the lookout and stay safe online."
Mr Foster confirmed that this scam was all about collecting personal information from victims rather than gaining access to live information via myGov or myGovID.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said scams were becoming more sophisticated, and people should be wary of emails asking for identity documents or personal identifying information.
"If you've opened an email that looks suspicious, don't click any links, open any attachments or reply to it," Mr Jongen said.
"If you've received the suspicious email and provided your myGov sign in information you should take immediate action.
