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Early Warning Network to list on ASX
Early Warning Network to list on ASX
Opportunity for you to participate in Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Aeeris Limited
As a user of our service you clearly appreciate the benefits such a capability can provide. This member alert is to advise you of the IPO of Aeeris Limited, which owns and operates the Early Warning Network (EWN) service, and your opportunity to participate in its success.
Firstly I want to thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for EWN which launched in 2007. EWN is Australia’s only national location based Severe Weather and All Hazards early warning service. Please see our company website at www.aeeris.com
Aeeris has over 225,000 registered users plus over 100 corporate and government clients to whom we provide critical weather data, systems and alerts in Australia. To date, the EWN technology has been used over 21,000 times to deliver millions of alerts across Australia, protecting staff, citizens, property and business operations.
The exciting opportunity to take part in the IPO of Aeeris Limited is open to everyone and as one of our loyal members, we would like to ensure that you have an opportunity to participate in this exciting phase of our development which will position the company for further growth and ground breaking expansion in the future.
The offer of Aeeris shares is set out in the Prospectus. You should consider the information in the Prospectus before making a decision to invest. Applications for shares can be made by completing a valid Application Form attached to the Prospectus or by submitting a bid via the ASX Bookbuild Facility through your Broker. For a full copy of the prospectus please click here. The offer closes on the 20th of November 2014, and the company's shares are expected to start trading on the ASX on 3rd December 2014.
Once again, I would like to thank you for your support.
Kerry Plowright
Founder,
Executive Chairman and CEO
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SCAMwatch email alert: Don’t book a scammer’s holiday [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
October 2014: SCAMwatch is warning would-be travelers to watch out for travel scams as scammers seek to take advantage of those looking for a hard-earned break.
Now is the time of year when many Australians start to turn their minds to their next big holiday. Unfortunately, scammers are ready to pack their bags too – with your money. Just searching for a holiday or responding to a survey online can alert scammers that you are in the market for a holiday, and they won't hesitate to approach you with holiday prizes or offers that always turn out to be too good to be true.
Scammers often initially approach people with claims that they have won a prize such as travel vouchers, only to then try and lure them into signing up for a holiday deal. These deals may seem great – heavily discounted holiday accommodation and airfares to destinations popular with Australians such as Thailand, Bali or our neighbouring Pacific Islands. Other scams offer holidays to Florida or the Bahamas with tickets to theme parks or cruises at greatly discounted rates. However, in reality the package or the prize doesn't exist, and victims are left out of pocket and stranded overseas with no accommodation.
Watch out - scammers may also claim to be affiliated with well-known and reputable businesses to try and convince you that they're the real deal. Sometimes the scammers will provide the tickets and itinerary but when it comes time to travel the tickets are useless and the business cannot be contacted. If you are considering buying a holiday package through a third party, you should contact the accommodation provider directly to verify the deal using contact details sourced independently.
If you come across an amazing holiday package or 'win' a holiday out of the blue, make sure it's the real deal. Don't let scammers ruin your hard-earned break – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How this scam works
- You are searching for a holiday online and come across an amazing package that you decide to sign up for. Shortly afterwards, you receive a notification out of the blue by phone, text, email or post claiming that you have won a prize comprised of travel vouchers, often worth $2000 or $3000.
- Alternatively, you participate in an online survey and are subsequently notified that you have won a holiday or vouchers.
- When you go to claim your prize, you are told that you first need to buy more travel vouchers. However, the person you are talking to or corresponding with presents you with an amazing offer for a heavily discounted accommodation or holiday package. These packages are typically for destinations popular with Australians such as Thailand, Bali or the Pacific Islands, and can be used any time over the next 12 to 18 months. Other scams offer holidays to Florida or the Bahamas with tickets to theme parks or cruises at greatly discounted rates.
- If you decide to take up this offer, you will be asked to provide your credit card and licence details before they can send you the prize.
- If you hand over your details, the scammer will quickly use these to take money from your account. They may also use your personal details to commit identity theft.
- The promised prize or vouchers will either never arrive, or if they do, will be dishonoured when you try to redeem them.
Protect yourself
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is: Many scams will promote "free", "complimentary" and "discounted" deals that may sound so appealing that they are hard to resist. Find out if the offer is the real deal – call the holiday accommodation provider directly, research the 'business' that you're dealing with, and search online for reviews.
- Know who you're dealing with: If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Book through an accredited agent: If you are looking to go on a holiday, you can use a travel agent to make sure you get legitimate accommodation. If using a travel agent, find out if they are accredited through the Australian Federation of Travel Agents' ATAS scheme. ATAS-accredited agents must abide by a code of conduct and have dispute resolution procedures in place.
- The way you pay matters: Different means of payment offer different protections. Be wary of requests for cheques, bank or wire transfers when booking travel. If booking online, choose secure payment methods. If you pay with a credit card, you may be able to seek a chargeback if you don't get what you pay for.
- If you think you've been scammed, report it: If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
In April the ACCC issued a SCAMwatch alert on a travel scam where scammers posing as Qantas staff claiming that they've won a credit towards their next holiday: Automated scam calls claiming to be from Qantas with bogus holiday win.
Stay one step ahead of scammers – follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.
If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
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SCAMwatch email alert: Indigenous consumers, watch out for scams – the top scams reported [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
September 2014: SCAMwatch is urging Indigenous consumers, especially those living in rural and remote communities, to be on the lookout for scammers trying to trick you into handing over your personal details or money.
The top three scams that Indigenous consumers have reported to SCAMwatch this year are:
- Government or business affiliation scams – scammers claiming to represent a well-known and trusted organisation with false claims that they are entitled to money
- Phishing scams – scammers 'fishing' for personal details or money
- Online shopping scams – scammers taking people for a ride when buying or selling online.
Scammers are also known to approach people and communities with more sophisticated scams where they offer huge amounts of money – sometimes even millions of dollars. These fraudsters will claim that you've won a prize, are entitled to an inheritance or need help with getting money out of their country. They may even claim that they can assist with funds to support your community, but the money doesn't exist and there are always fees to be paid.
Scammers typically ask targets to send them money via a money transfer service as it's hard to trace and nearly impossible to recover. Be on guard – requests for payments may not happen straight away, with scammers prepared to invest considerable time, sometimes weeks or months, before asking for money.
SCAMwatch also urges traditional owners, shire and council officers or individuals to be vigilant – unfortunately, scammers often target respected community figures in positions of authority. For instance, the ACCC's North Queensland office is currently working with indigenous communities that have recently been approached by scammers pedalling advance fee fraud schemes.
Watch out – if someone approaches you or your community with an offer that seems too good to be true, say no and walk away. If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, don't feel shame – report it the ACCC through the Indigenous Hotline: 1300 303 143.
What to look out for
Here are some common scams that Indigenous consumers report to SCAMwatch:
- Government affiliation scams – someone will ring, email or send you a letter pretending to represent a government authority such as Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). They will claim that you are entitled to money, but that you first have to pay them money to cover 'taxes' or 'fees'. If you pay, you will never receive the promised money, nor see the money you sent again.
- Phishing scams – you receive a call or email from someone claiming that you need to update or verify your personal details, e.g. you bank card has been cancelled and you need to reactive it. Typical information requested include your date of birth, bank details, driver's licence, Medicare or tax file number. They may even ask you to visit a website or click on a link, which will result in your computer being infected with malware. If you hand over your details, the scammer may commit ID theft or use it to steal your money.
- Online shopping scams – an item is advertised on an online classifieds site at a very low price, often lower than comparable items advertised on the same website. The seller typically claims to be overseas and will ask you to complete the sale outside of the site, e.g. by electronic funds transfer or a wire service. If you are buying something that seems to be 'too good to be true', beware!
Protect yourself
- If you have doubts about the identity of a caller who claims to represent a government authority or business, contact them directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find their details through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- If someone you don't know is asking for personal information or money, don't engage – press 'delete', shut the door or just hang up.
- Don't open any attachments, click on any links or reply to suspicious emails – they may take you to a bogus website or contain a dangerous virus.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- Don't trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears on a well-known and trusted online shopping site—scammers post fake ads on these too. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Wherever possible, avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for upfront payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer service such as Western Union. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- If you think you've spotted a scam, tell us about it (see contact details below), and help protect your family and friends by spreading the word.
Report and tell others – don't feel shame
Tell someone if you think you've been scammed – don't feel shame.
You can report scams to the ACCC Indigenous Hotline on 1300 303 143.
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
Check out and 'like' the ACCC 'Your Rights Mob' Indigenous consumers Facebook profile.
Sign up and get scam email alerts Register for free: SCAMwatch email alerts.
Stay one step ahead of scammers – follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.
If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
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SCAMwatch email alert: Consumers with a disability – be on guard against scammers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
August 2014: SCAMwatch is warning consumers with a disability to be on guard against scams – unfortunately, scammers target people whom they think may be vulnerable to try and take advantage of them.
Some common scams reported by consumers with a disability include fraudsters claiming:
- to represent a government authority or well-known business
- that they are looking for a relationship
- that the target has won a lottery or competition.
Scammers employ a range of delivery methods to contact you such as a phone call, text message, email, through an online forum, or even face-to-face by knocking on your door. Their ultimate goal is to obtain your personal information or steal your money.
Consumers with a disability, beware – if you receive an approach out of the blue from someone asking for personal information or money, don't engage – press 'delete', shut the door or just hang up.
How these scams work
Scammers claiming to represent a government agency or legitimate business
- Many scammers take advantage of consumers' trust in government authorities and well-known businesses or brands in order to steal your personal details or money.
- As the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls out, consumers with a disability should be particularly wary of anyone who contacts them claiming to be from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and asking for personal or financial information.
- Scammers will often claim that you are entitled to a refund or payment from the government or business. However, in order to receive the money, they will claim that you first need to make a payment to them to cover taxes, fees or administration costs.
- To make this payment, they will either ask you to hand over your financial details or send money via a wire transfer. Alternatively, they may ask you to click on a link in an email to fill out a form or find out more information.
- If you hand over your personal details to a scammer, they may be used to commit identity theft or to take your money. If you hand over money, you won't get it back. If you click on a link in a scam email, your computer may become infected with malicious software and compromise its security.
The NDIA advises that it will not ask for your financial details over the phone or via email. If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the NDIA and you are unsure whether they are the real deal, hang up. You can then call the NDIA using their official contact number: 1800 650 717.
Dating and romance scams
- Scammers often approach people online claiming to be looking for love. They will form an emotional attachment with their victims and then take advantage of this to repeatedly ask for money.
- You meet someone online through a dating or social networking website. Your admirer asks to communicate outside of the platform (thereby away from any safeguards that the platform may have).
- You find yourself become increasingly emotionally involved with your admirer as you communicate with them over weeks, months and sometimes even years.
- At some point your admirer asks you to provide financial assistance to help cover costs associated with illness, injury, a family crisis, or even to cover costs to travel and meet you. They will typically ask you to send the money via wire transfer.
- If you send them money, you will then receive further requests or pleas for money. If you do so, you risk being left broke and with a broken heart.
Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face. If your online admirer asks for money, no matter what the reason is, ask yourself: 'Do I really know who I'm dealing with?'
Unexpected prize scams
- Scammers often send emails, text messages or letters to people claiming that they have won cash or a prize in a fake overseas lottery or a competition – one that they never entered in the first place.
- If you respond to a notification that you've won a lottery or competition that you never entered, you will be asked to make a payment via wire transfer to cover 'taxes' or 'administration fees' before the prize or cash can be released.
- If you hand over your money, you will never see it again, and the promised prize will never arrive.
If you are notified that you have won a prize or lottery, ask yourself – did I even enter it? If not, press 'delete' or throw it in the bin – it's a scam.
Protect yourself
- If you receive an approach out of the blue from someone asking for personal information or money, don't engage – press 'delete', shut the door or just hang up.
- If you have doubts about the identity of a caller who claims to represent a government authority or business, contact the authority or business directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the NDIA and you are unsure whether they are the real deal, hang up and then call the NDIA using their official contact number: 1800 800 110.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
- Keep your personal details personal: Never share personal, banking or credit card information or photos with someone you don't know and trust.
- Don't open any attachments or click on any links in, or reply to, suspicious emails – they may take you to a bogus website or contain a malicious virus.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
You can provide information about suspected fraudulent or unethical behaviour impacting the NDIS by email at fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au or by calling 1800 650 717. Information may be provided anonymously.
If you are a TTY user – phone 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 650 717 (for NDIS) or 1300 795 995 (for SCAMwatch). If you are a Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) user – phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 650 717 (for NDIS) or 1300 795 995 (for SCAMwatch). If you are an internet relay user – visit the National Relay Service website and ask for: 1800 650 717 (for NDIS) or 1300 795 995 (for SCAMwatch). If you require more information, visit the National Relay Service website.
More information
The NDIA has issued a media release scams targeting NDIS participants: 'Protecting your personal details from scammers'.
Stay one step ahead of scammers – follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.
If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
SCAMwatch email alert: Beware of carbon tax repeal scams [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
August 2014: SCAMwatch is warning consumers and businesses to be aware of scammers looking to take advantage of the carbon tax repeal to steal your money.
Scammers may take advantage of dollar figures being quoted in the press about how much consumers may save from changes in the price of goods following the carbon tax repeal. Scammers may call or email consumers and small businesses with false claims that they are entitled to the money upfront.
Scammers often use major government programs or announcements like the carbon tax repeal to trick people into handing over their money or personal banking details. Scammers pretend to be from a government department or agency, or from a business such as an energy provider, to sound legitimate. They may spin a range of stories to make their story sound real, such as claiming that there is money due because of a tax refund, tax concession, one-off payment, discount, return or even a bonus.
In the case of the carbon tax repeal, scammers may call claiming that people are entitled to a carbon tax rebate or refund off their previous bill. However, for the money to be released, there is an upfront 'fee' to cover administration or other costs. If you pay the upfront fee, you are unlikely to ever see your money again.
Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via wire transfer as it's nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. They may also ask for people's financial and other personal details to access their money and commit identity theft.
Be on guard, you may receive a phone call or email from someone asking for your personal or banking details in order to pay you money due to the carbon tax repeal. If you are approached in this way hang up – the person on the other end may be a scammer. The best approach is to call them back on a phone number you find independently.
How these scams work
- You receive a call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from a government department or business such as an energy provider.
- The caller or sender will claim that, because of the carbon tax repeal, you are now entitled to a tax rebate or a refund on your previous bill.
- In order to receive the refund/payment you have to pay an administration fee or other fee upfront.
- The caller or sender will direct you to make the payment via a wire transfer services or credit card payment.
- Alternatively, you may be asked to provide your bank account details or other personal information so they can deposit the refund in your account.
- If you send any money via wire transfer, you will never see it again – it's nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. If you provide your bank account details or other personal information, the scammer may use it to commit identity theft or to steal your money. You will also never receive the promised rebate or refund.
Protect yourself
- If you receive a phone call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from a government department or a business such as an energy provider and they claim that you are entitled to money due to the carbon tax repeal, be cautious.
- If you have any doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don't rely on numbers, email addresses or websites provided by the caller – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
For information on the ACCC's role in monitoring and enforcing the carbon tax repeal, see the ACCC carbon tax repeal webpage.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.
If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
SCAMwatch email alert: Beware of scammers taking advantage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
July 2014: SCAMwatch is warning Australians to be wary of scammers looking to take advantage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy by setting up fake Facebook pages in the name of victims of the tragedy.
Scammers have set up false Facebook profiles for Australian victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy in an attempt to make money from people interested in finding out more about this international tragedy. The profiles direct people to a blog, where they are then bombarded with dubious advertisements.
If you click on the advertisement, the scammer can make money from the advertising 'service' (where they receive advertising revenue for each click through to a client's website or product). The blog or advertisement may also be infected with malware, thereby compromising your computer's security.
Beware – scammers have also been known to take advantage of major news stories including tragedies to seek donations for fake charities. Scammers use social networking platforms to promote these schemes.
If you want to find out more about the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, only use reliable news sources and be particularly wary of links posted on social networking sites– unfortunately scammers like to connect with people through these forums, too.
How this scam works
Scam advertising services
- Scammers set up a false Facebook page using the name of a victim of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy. The Facebook page directs you to a blog that it purports has information on the Flight MH17 tragedy.
- If you click on the link to the blog, you will be subject to a series of pop-up advertisements.
- If you click on the advertisement, the scammer will then make money from the 'click-through' by driving potential customers to a business's website.
Malware scam
- Alternatively, the site that you are directed to may contain infected ads, which if you click on could cause malware to install on your computer. The scammers may have also set up malware to be downloaded when you click on the link to the blog.
- If a scammer has infected your computer with malware, they may be able to access your personal information stored on the computer, including financial details. They may then be able to use this access to commit identity theft or steal your money.
Charity scam
- You should also be on the lookout for charity scams that may arise out of the flight MH17 tragedy, with scammers often using major news stories as a means to lure donations that they claim will go to helping victims.
- You may receive an email, come across a website, or find a blog or profile on a social media site claiming to raise money for a charity, or affected families.
- If you hand over money to the 'charity' or 'fundraiser', your money will go straight into the pockets of a scammer and the victims will never receive a cent.
Protect yourself
- If you want to access information about major or breaking news, use a reliable news source rather than an unknown web link or blog – there are many reputable online news sites where you can safely access credible information.
- Always keep your computer security up-to-date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- If you think your computer's security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- If you are considering making a donation to a charity, cause or appeal, approach the organisation directly using their official contact details to make the payment.
- Never give money or your financial details to someone you don't know - it's rare to recover money from a scammer.
- If you think that your banking or financial details have been compromised, contact your financial institution immediately.
Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
SCAMwatch has recently issued alerts on scammers targeting the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH360 tragedy and the 2013 Boston marathon bomb tragedy.
For more information on donating safely to Australian charities, visit the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission website.
Stay one step ahead of scammers – follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.
If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
SCAMwatch email alert: Don’t let scammers ‘tax' you this tax time [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
July 2014: SCAMwatch and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are urging consumers and small businesses to be aware of scammers taking advantage of the busy nature of tax time to target you.
Scammers pretending to be from the ATO will typically approach you by phone or email and spin a range of tall tales to trick you into handing over your personal details or money. A common tax time scam involves scammers claiming that you have overpaid your tax and are entitled to a refund, but that you have to pay a tax or administration fee upfront in order for the money to be released. Another tax scam is based on the ruse that you owe money due to a miscalculation from the previous financial year. Scammers also continue to pedal the classic phishing scam where they 'fish' for your details by asking you to verify your details.
Scammers use a number of tools to slip under your radar you at tax time – from impersonating an ATO representative, to creating official looking emails and email addresses, to creating sleek and professional-looking websites that mirror the ATO site. They have even been known to create web portals that appear to be hosted on the ATO site, which are designed to trick you into providing your personal details.
Beware – scammers may even recite some personal information about you to trick you into thinking they're the real deal. These days, it's easy for scammers to get a hold of personal information from social media and other networking forums.
Your personal details, including your Tax File Number, credit card or bank details are valuable and should never be provided to a stranger. If you hand over your personal information to a scammer, they can use it to commit identity theft and steal your money. You should also be very wary of any requests to send money via money transfer – it's nearly impossible to recover money sent this way.
The ATO advises that from time to time it will send taxpayers emails, SMS messages or official social media updates alerting them to new services. However, the ATO will never request personal or financial information by SMS or email.
If you receive a call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the ATO and that you are entitled to, or owe money – just hang up or press delete. You can check whether they're the real deal by calling the ATO on its official contact number: 13 28 69.
How these scams work
Here are some common tax time scams to be aware of:
- Tax refund scams – these scams typically involve the scammer telling you that you have overpaid your tax and are now entitled to a tax refund. In order to receive the refund, the scammer claims that you will first need to pay an 'administration' or 'transfer' fee via money transfer. They may also ask for your financial details, claiming that this is for the purpose of transferring the money to you.
- Tax owed scams – scammers will claim that you have underpaid your tax and are now required to repay the tax debt immediately. They may request your credit card details or ask you to pay the outstanding amount via a money transfer. They may also ask you to purchase a pre-paid debit card, such as a 'Load and Go' card from your local post office, and then send them the card details so that they can access the money.
- Phishing emails – scammers will often try to steal your identity or money by sending you an email that pretends to be from a trusted entity such as the ATO. The scammer will 'fish' for your personal details by trying to get you to fill in a form, or click on a link that will allow them to infect your computer with viruses and malware.
Protect yourself
- If you receive an email or phone call out of the blue from 'the ATO' claiming that you are entitled to a refund, that you owe money or asking you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details like your tax file number, press 'delete' or just hang up. Verify the caller or sender by contacting the ATO on its official contact number: 13 28 69.
- The ATO advises that you should be very careful with whom you share your tax file number (TFN). Never put your tax file number (TFN) on your resume – only give it to your employer after you have started your job. Never share your TFN, myGov or bank account details on social media. You should also change your passwords if you have shared them with anyone, including family and friends.
- The ATO also advises that if you use a tax agent, make sure they are registered by checking at www.tpb.gov.au/onlineregister.
- Don't open any attachments or click on any links in, or reply to, suspicious emails – they may take you to a bogus website or contain a malicious virus.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
If people receive a call from someone claiming to represent the ATO and are concerned about providing their personal information over the phone, they should ask for the caller's name, end the call and then phone them back using the ATO's official contact number: 13 28 69.
You can forward suspect scams to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au or call the ATO during business hours on 1800 060 062 to discuss a suspected scam.
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995. You should also spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
More information
To increase community awareness of scams the ATO has launched a new video campaign on www.ato.gov.au/identitycrime with helpful tips to protect personal information.
Information on online security and scams can be found on www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity.
Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.
If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
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