#EveryoneNeedsAPlan: ATO Scam Protection - Hyperlinks Removed from Text Messages

In an effort to increase protection from scams the ATO recently announced they would be removing hyperlinks from text messages they send to taxpayers

• Often criminals will send text messages that appear to be from the ATO and include a hyperlink with instructions for the recipient to click on the link
• The hyperlink may even open up a website that appears to be legitimate but it is in fact a fake and designed to illicit information about the user which can then be used to steal their identity
• The ATO may send you an SMS but now they will not include any hyperlinks
• If you are unsure whether or not a text message is legitimate don't action anything and contact the ATO on 1800 008 540
• The ATO also has some good resources about verifying scams – click here for details