| ATO WARNING - Beware Tax Bonus Scammers |
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Media release 2009/17 The Tax Office has repeated its warning to be cautious about bogus phone calls and other scams relating to the Government’s tax bonus payments. Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said the Tax Office has had reports of people receiving phone calls about the tax bonus payment, claiming to be from the Tax Office or some other government authority, seeking bank account details, tax file numbers and other personal information.“Under no circumstances should you give personal information including credit card or banking details to these callers or in response to unsolicited emails,” Mr D’Ascenzo said. “If you are concerned please call us on 1300 686 636 to verify the legitimacy of the call and to report any suspicious phone calls or emails. “If you have given your credit card or bank account information to an illegitimate source, we advise you to immediately report it to your credit card provider or bank. “In most cases people who are eligible do not need to do anything to receive the tax bonus payments. The payment will be deposited into the bank account you nominated in your 2007-08 tax return or sent as a cheque to the address on that return. “In addition the Tax Office does not charge a fee to provide the tax bonus payment.” You can phone us on 1300 686 636 to update your bank account details any time or call between 8.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday or 9.00am and 4.00pm Saturday to update your address details. Details must be updated by 15 March 2009. A tax bonus calculator is also available online to help you determine your eligibility and estimated tax bonus payment. Last Modified: Friday, 6 March 2009 |