There's now a new email scam circulating where scammers are sending emails that are offering “outstanding refunds,” which are said to have come from myGov. The sender's email address says myGov but there are indications that show that the email is a scam, including the website address, which does not match the official government site's real address.
The email asks readers to enter personal details for a refund, including their full name, address, phone number, credit card information and CVV number.
Anyone who receives the suspicious email is urged not to supply any personal information, or face losing their personal data to cyber criminals on the dark web. myGov said they would never send a hyperlink requesting data through email or SMS.
There's also another email scam that's been asking people to update their myGov or myGovID details.
Scammers are pretending to be from the ‘myGov customer care team’ and sending emails telling people they need to verify their identity by clicking on a link.
The image below is one example of what the scam may look like:
Image credit: ATO
Don’t click any links and don’t provide the information requested. The link goes to a fake myGov logon page designed to steal your personal information, including your passport and driver’s licence details.
You will get email or SMS notifications from myGov whenever there are new messages in your myGov Inbox. However, these messages will never include a link to log on to your myGov account. Always access our online services directly via one of the following:
my.gov.au
ato.gov.au
the ATO app
When downloading the myGovID app, make sure it's from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
If you receive an SMS or email that looks like it’s from myGov, but it contains a link or appears suspicious, you can report it to ScamWatch. If you have clicked on a link or provided your personal information, you can contact Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.
If you have any questions or need support for your individual circumstance you can reach us anytime via phone or chat.
Information from ATO.