DOCUSIGN EMAIL SCAM
The ATO have received reports of a new ATO impersonation email scam circulating in the community.
The scam advises people they have an outstanding tax-related ‘DocuSign’ that requires action.
The scam looks like a real ‘DocuSign’ email, making it appear familiar and trustworthy to recipients who have used the platform previously.
Scammers attempt to trick recipients into clicking on the Review Document button by naming the document ‘Declaration and Final Release’. The email also details (often in the subject line) tax-related text such as ‘notice of assessment’. This approach falsely implies the DocuSign is from the ATO and that The ATO are holding the recipient’s tax refund until this action is completed.
If the recipient clicks on the Review Document button, an embedded link directs them to a fake myGov sign in page. This is designed to steal personal information, such as their myGov sign in credentials, name, date of birth and drivers licence details. Scammers then use this information to:
commit refund fraud in their name
access their myGov account to steal their tax refund
steal their superannuation
sell the personal identity to organised crime groups online.
The ATO will NEVER use DocuSign to finalise a tax refund
If you receive an email like this, report it to the ATO by forwarding the email to ReportScams@ato.gov.au then delete it.
Remember:
The ATO will never send an unsolicited message that directs you to a log in page or ask you to send personal identifying information through SMS or email.
Don’t click on links, open attachments or download any files from suspicious emails or SMS. The ATO will never send an unsolicited SMS that contains a hyperlink.
The ATO will send legitimate email communication via ATO online services. You can check this by signing in to your myGov account. You can also contact your tax agent or us.
If someone claiming to be from the ATO contacts you and tells you are owed a refund, have a tax debt, or asks for your myGov sign in credentials, bank details or personal information such as your tax file number, it is likely a scam.
If you aren’t sure if it’s really the ATO contacting you, do not engage.
Phone the ATO on 1800 008 540 to check or call us.
Learn more on how to protect yourself and stay scam safe.
