Prospective business owners warned about fake TFN and ABN websites

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has warned prospective business owners about fake websites on social media platforms, which offer to provide tax file numbers (TFN) and Australian business numbers (ABN) for a price, but instead, go on to steal money and personal information.

The ATO Assistant Commissioner, Tim Loh, said: “We are also still seeing scammers impersonating the ATO, making threats, demanding the payment of fake tax debts or claiming a TFN has been ‘suspended’ due to fraud.”

Over $800,000 was lost last year to ATO impersonation scams.

2021 also witnessed new scams targeting cryptocurrency holders, where malicious actors attempted to ‘phish’ sensitive details out of investors.

Important tips to protect yourself from scammers include:

• Be cautious of suspicious links, attachments, or files that ask for personal or financial information
• ​Stay informed of legitimate ways to make payments to the ATO
• Don’t continue communications over phone, text or email if suspicious are raised.

If you are concerned that you have been targeted by an ATO impersonator, you should contact the organisation directly on 1800 008 540.

How we can help

TaxAssist Accountants can help with TFN and ABN registration if you are thinking of setting up your own business.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation where we can discuss the range of services which we can provide.

Date published 29 Apr 2022 | Last updated 9 Jul 2022