Scams, and the con artists behind them, are forever evolving and becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot.
ACM has compiled a list of current scams identified on sites such as scamwatch.gov.au, cyber.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities.
Scamwatch: Getting someone to do your tax return? Make sure it’s legitimate
- It ‘s tax time and unfortunately that means there are several news tax related scams doing the rounds.
- The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) is warning people to be extra vigilant of scams aiming to lure unsuspecting honest consumers into using the tax services of unregistered preparers.
- According to the TPB, unregistered preparers operate outside of the law, often making money by skimming a portion of their clients’ refunds and charging inflated fees for return preparation services.
- They attract new clients by promising large refunds.
- Some will encourage filing fraudulent claims for refunds on items that their clients aren’t entitled to, while others will obtain myGov sign in details from clients, putting their personal information at risk.
- The TPB recommends visiting its website for its online guide which offers tips for avoiding unregistered preparers.
- Check your tax practitioner is registered on the public register at tpb.gov.au/onlineregister.
- Only registered tax practitioners can charge a fee for tax agent services.
- Be sceptical if an agent offers to secure you…
