ATO warns about iTunes scammers

ATO warns about iTunes scammers

ATO warns about iTunes scammers

The ATO is reminding the public to be alert to scammers impersonating the ATO demanding iTunes gift cards as a form of tax debt payment – this is part of new tactic being used by fraudsters.

Of the 8692 phone scam reports the ATO received in April 2016 in relation to the fake ATO tax debt scam; 58 reports mentioned the scammer demanding payment by iTunes (and apparently 26 people unfortunately paid $174,830 to fraudsters!)

Importantly, the scammers don’t need the actual physical card; they just need the gift card number, which they get victims to read over the phone.

The ATO states:

“We will never request the payment of a tax debt via gift or pre-paid cards such as iTunes and Visa cards. Nor will we ask for direct credit to be paid to a personal bank account.

“And if the person calling you is rude and aggressive, threatening police or legal action if you don’t do something immediately – it’s not the ATO.

If you do have a debt, we would have written to you first. If we do ring you, our staff will identify themselves and let you know how you can call us back.”

Anyone thinking they have been scammed or who would like to confirm the legitimacy of an ATO call or letter should phone the ATO on 1800 008 540.

Ref: ATO media release “Don’t get played by iTunes scammers”, 12 May 2016