The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning people not to attempt GST fraud following a joint operation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) which saw a crackdown on suspected fraudsters across the country.
Deputy Commissioner of the ATO and Chief of the ATO-led Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT), Will Day said the Office was working with the AFP and other Government Agencies to crackdown on individuals suspected of defrauding the community by inventing fake businesses to claim false refunds.
Mr Day said the SFCT launched a coordinated action last week in 12 locations across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland, which saw warrants executed against 19 individuals suspected of involvement in GST fraud.
“The ATO has stopped more than a billion dollars in attempted fraud,” Mr Day said.
“This is a clear warning to individuals considering participating – you will not be successful, you are not anonymous, and you will face the consequences of your attempts,” he said.
“For those that have already committed this fraud, we know who you are, and you will need to repay the fake refunds you have obtained.”
Mr Day said people who had committed the fraud could face severe consequences, including jail if they didn’t speak with the ATO “before we knock on your door.”
“Come forward now or face potentially tougher penalties.”
The Deputy Commissioner reminded people that the ATO did not offer loans and said if someone was advertising a way to get a loan from the ATO, “this is a rort.”
