Scammers are always devising new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals, especially around Tax Time!
It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling victim to their schemes. We’ve compiled a list of warning signs to help you distinguish between legitimate communication from us and potential scams. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
Social Media Scams
1. Fake Profiles: Scammers may impersonate us on social media. Look for our verified accounts with blue ticks on Facebook, grey ticks on Twitter, and official logos on LinkedIn.
2. Unsolicited Direct Messages: We will never initiate contact through private messages on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
3. Caution with Personal Information: Never share sensitive information like TFN, myGov, or bank details on social media, even through private messages.
Stay informed and vigilant to safeguard yourself from tax scams. If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to us directly using the contact information you’ve looked up yourself. Your financial security is our priority at Tax Store Mackay.
Phone Scams
- Threats of Immediate Arrest: Scammers often use fear tactics to pressure you into hasty decisions. Rest assured, we will never threaten you with immediate arrest.
- Demands for Immediate Payment: If a caller insists on immediate payment and keeps you on the line until you comply, it’s a red flag. We will never demand payment during a call.
- Unsolicited Robocalls or Voicemails: Scammers may use pre-recorded messages to manipulate you. Remember, we don’t use unsolicited pre-recorded messages.
- Caller ID Manipulation: Scammers might display genuine-looking phone numbers. However, legitimate calls from us won’t show any number; they’ll appear as No Caller ID.
- Tax File Number (TFN) Threats: Scammers might claim your TFN is suspended due to illegal activity. We don’t cancel TFNs, and we won’t ask you to transfer money to avoid arrest.
- Blocking Communication with Advisers: Be cautious if a caller denies you access to trusted advisers. We believe in open communication with your tax professionals.
- Fake Conference Calls: Scammers could arrange a three-way call to make it seem legitimate. We never engage in conference calls with third parties.
- Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers might ask for payment through unconventional means like vouchers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies. We only accept legitimate payment methods.
- Personal Bank Account Requests: Be skeptical if asked to pay into a personal account. We exclusively request payments into Reserve Bank of Australia accounts.
- Cash Delivery or ATM Withdrawals: Avoid paying via cardless ATM withdrawals or cash delivery services. We don’t ask for such methods of payment.
- Fee for Refunds: We will never charge a fee to process your tax refund. Never share credit card details unless you trust the recipient.
- Payment Arrangements Pressure: Scammers often coerce for multiple payments. Before entering any arrangement, verify it with us through a trusted number.
Emails & SMS Scams
1. Personal Info Requests: Scammers might ask for your personal and financial details via SMS or email. We’ll never send unsolicited messages for such information.
2. Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking links to log into services. Scammers create fake pages to steal your login credentials.
3. Attachments or Forms: Scammers could send attachments containing malware. Be cautious when downloading, even if the sender seems familiar.
Social Media Scams
- Fake Profiles: Scammers may impersonate us on social media. Look for our verified accounts with blue ticks on Facebook, grey ticks on Twitter, and official logos on LinkedIn.
- Unsolicited Direct Messages: We will never initiate contact through private messages on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
- Caution with Personal Information: Never share sensitive information like TFN, myGov, or bank details on social media, even through private messages.
