Online Scams in Australia: ATO, MyGov, Telco Fraud
Scamwatch, run by the ACCC, received over 600,000 scam reports in 2025, with Australians losing $2.74 billion. Investment scams led losses at $1.3 billion, followed by remote access scams at $256 million. Australia's high internet penetration, strong economy, and widespread digital banking make it a prime target for international scam operations.
ATO and Tax Scams
Australian Taxation Office impersonation scams peak during tax time (July-October) but continue year-round. Phone calls with spoofed ATO numbers threaten arrest for unpaid taxes. Emails offer fake tax refunds. Texts claim your TFN (Tax File Number) has been "suspended."
"ATO Notice: Your tax refund of $1,847.30 is ready. Verify your identity and bank details to receive your refund: [phishing link]. Reference: ATO-2026-RF-44912." — A fake ATO refund text. The ATO processes refunds through your tax return lodgment — they never send refund links via text.
The ATO never threatens arrest, demands immediate payment, or sends links via text to claim refunds. Manage your tax affairs through myGov at my.gov.au — type the URL directly, never click links.
MyGov Phishing
MyGov is Australia's central government services portal, connecting to the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare, and more. Its central role makes it a prime phishing target. Fake myGov login pages capture credentials that give scammers access to multiple government services simultaneously.
Think it might be a scam?
Paste it here for a free, instant verdict.
Free · No signup required · Cmd+Enter to scan
Always access myGov by typing my.gov.au directly. Enable multi-factor authentication. The myGov app provides a more secure access method than browser logins.
Telstra, Optus, and Telco Scams
Australia's major telcos — Telstra, Optus, and TPG/Vodafone — are frequently impersonated. Scammers call claiming to be Telstra tech support, alleging your internet connection has been compromised and requesting remote access. Others send fake billing messages with phishing links.
The Optus data breach of 2022, which exposed 9.8 million customer records, supercharged targeted phishing. Scammers use leaked personal details to craft convincing messages. If you were affected by the Optus breach, remain especially vigilant.
NBN Scams
Fake National Broadband Network (NBN) calls remain common. "Your NBN connection will be disconnected tomorrow unless you pay an outstanding balance" or "We need remote access to upgrade your connection." NBN Co does not contact consumers directly about billing or request remote access to computers.
Banking Scams
CommBank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac, and other Australian banks are impersonated in sophisticated phishing campaigns. In 2026, the new National Anti-Scam Centre has driven banks to implement stronger fraud detection, but scammers adapt. Pay attention to bank communications — verify through the bank's official app or by calling the number on your card.
Australia's new Scam Prevention Framework requires banks, telcos, and digital platforms to detect and prevent scams. If your bank doesn't reimburse scam losses, you may have recourse through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Cryptocurrency and Investment Scams
Investment scams are Australia's largest fraud category by dollar value. Fake trading platforms, cryptocurrency schemes, and "celebrity-endorsed" investments advertised on social media have cost Australians billions. ASIC maintains a list of companies not licensed to offer financial services — check before investing.
How to Report Scams in Australia
- Scamwatch (ACCC): scamwatch.gov.au
- ReportCyber (AFP): cyber.gov.au/report
- IDCARE: 1800 595 160 (identity theft support)
- ASIC: For investment scams — asic.gov.au
- AFCA: For banking disputes — afca.org.au
Australians face a high volume of targeted scams, but the country's new anti-scam framework is improving protections. Stay vigilant and use IsThisAScam to check any suspicious messages.
Got a suspicious ATO, MyGov, or banking message? Check it with IsThisAScam →