Safeguarding against scammers

Your personal information, also known as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), is incredibly valuable. Scammers can use this information to access your bank account, sign into your myGov account, steal money, or even commit fraud in your name. It’s crucial to be vigilant about protecting your details from falling into the wrong hands.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Stop: Never share your personal information—such as your myGov details, Tax File Number (TFN), or bank account information—unless you trust the person and know they genuinely need the information.
2. Think: If you receive a message or call asking for personal information, stop and consider whether it could be a scam. Scammers often pose as government agencies or businesses to trick you into sharing your details.
3. Protect: If something doesn’t feel right, act quickly. Contact the relevant organization immediately. If you’ve already disclosed personal information and are worried it may have been misused, call the ATO Scam Reporting Hotline at 1800 008 540 for assistance.

If your PII has been compromised in a data breach, refer to the Data breach guidance for individuals for steps on how to protect yourself from further harm. Staying informed and cautious can go a long way in safeguarding your personal and financial well-being.

To commit identity crime or fraud, scammers only need some of your PII.  This may include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Current address
• myGov and ATO online login details
• tax file number (TFN)
• password
• bank account numbers
• credit card details
• driver’s licence details
• passport details

If you suspect your personal information has been stolen, misused or compromised, phone the ATO on 1800 467 033 as soon as possible.

Top Tips to Keep Your Personal Information Safe

Protecting your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is critical in today’s digital world. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to access your personal details and commit fraud. Follow these top tips to safeguard your personal information:

1. Verify before sharing: Never provide your personal information to anyone unless you’ve confirmed their identity and they have a legitimate need to know. Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations, so be sure to verify before sharing sensitive details.
2. Think before you click: Be cautious with hyperlinks and attachments. Scammers often use them to steal your personal information or install malware on your devices.
3. Direct access: Always type the URL directly into your browser to access services. Avoid clicking on links sent through emails or messages, as they may lead to fraudulent websites.
4. Use Digital IDs: When accessing ATO services online, use your myGovID, and set it to the strongest security level you can achieve.
5. Protect your Tax File Number (TFN): Only provide your TFN to trusted individuals or organizations, like your tax agent, employer, or bank. Always verify who you’re dealing with before sharing.
6. Never share your passwords: Use strong passphrases instead of simple passwords. A password manager can help you generate and store passphrases securely. Regularly update your passphrases for added protection.
7. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if scammers get hold of your password, MFA makes it much harder for them to access your account.
8. Keep devices up to date: Ensure your phone, computer, and other devices are running the latest software. Scammers can exploit outdated software to install malware or steal your personal information.

By following these practices, you can protect your personal information and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your data.

Source: www.ato.gov.au