What scams should businesses look out for?
Scammers will go to great lengths to convince you that their offer or request is legitimate. Emails, faxes, SMS and even phone calls can look and sound convincing, but knowing what to look out for can help you recognise a scam.
Usually, scammers contact you out of the blue to try and get your personal details, or encourage you to click on a link to gather your information.
The ATO lists a few examples of scams to watch out for that have been used to trick small businesses through
email scams,
mobile phone scams (SMS) and
phone call scams.
How to protect your business
Here are a few handy tips to help you protect your business from scams:
- Let people know about it – report any emails/letters/phone calls that offer tax refunds in exchange for personal information.
- Always use the ATO services by visiting the ATO website.
- Keep your bookkeeping and record systems up-to-date and well organised to make it easier to detect issues.
- Keep all password and important business information in a secure place.
- Don’t agree to any offers or deals straightaway. Do your research, consider asking for the offer in writing and seek professional advice.
It’s important to remember the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will not email you and ask for your bank details or tax file number (TFN). If you receive an email, call or SMS from the ATO that asks for personal information or offers a tax refund, it’s important to report it to the ATO and SCAMwatch.
What to do:
- If you’ve been a victim of a scam or targeted by scammers, report it to SCAMwatch by completing an online form or by calling 1300 795 995.
- Download the ACCC’s Small business scams fact sheet for free.
- Find out the ATO’s current SMS and email activity.
- Read our information on Online Scams.
- Find out more about scams targeting business.