The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is warning Australians of a myGov scam which was enticing victims by claiming they’re owed a tax refund.
Issuing the warning, ACMA said it was aware of increasing reports of myGov impersonation email and SMS scams.
“These scams try to get you to click on a malicious link or visit a fake website in order to receive a repayment or refund, such as a tax refund,” ACMA said.
“Other examples may ask you to update your personal details via a link or attachment,” it said.
“These messages will also often reference other Government Agencies or services, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or programs like Medicare.”
ACMA said the scam messages may also use Government logos to make them appear legitimate.
It advised people not to click any links or open any attachments in the messages, “they are phishing scams designed to steal your personal or financial details.”
“myGov will never send you an email or SMS with a link,” the Authority said.
“If in doubt, type ‘my.gov.au’ into your browser and sign into your myGov account or contact Services Australia directly,” it said.
“Do not rely on the contact information in the email of SMS if you think it’s a scam.”
ACMA said anyone concerned that they’d given their myGov and other personal information to a scammer should contact the Services Australia Scams and Identity Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.
