By Amanda Welsh, Fraud Manager at Horizon Bank

Navigating tax season can be daunting but throw in the increasing threat of tax scams and it’s even trickier.

These 10 practical tips to identify phishing emails and reporting suspicious activity will enable you to safeguard your identity and prevent any financial losses during this upcoming tax season.

• 1. Beware of phishing emails: Phishing emails are sent by scammers, in this instance they will be pretending to be from myGov or other related government agencies. Often phishing emails ask for you to provide personal information & other sensitive details such as your myGov username and password.
• 2. Verify email sources: Double check the sender’s email address. Typically, any official emails from myGov will come from addresses ending in @my.gov.au
• 3. Avoid clicking on links: Instead of clicking links, you’re best to manually type in the myGov website address to your browser to access your account.
• 4. Watch for urgency or threats: Always be sceptical of emails that claim your myGov account could be suspended or you may face penalties if you don’t respond to the email promptly. The same goes for offers of refunds or overpayments.
• 5. Never share personal information:  Government agencies will never ask you to provide personal information via email.
• 6. Report suspicious emails: It’s important that if you receive any suspicious emails claiming to be from myGov or other government agencies, you report them to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or even the myGov help desk.
• 7. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication if possible (2FA). By adding 2FA you add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password when logging in, such as a code sent to your mobile phone.
• 8. Stay informed: Keeping up to date with the latest scam alerts and security advice from the ATO, myGov and any other relevant government agencies.
• 9. Educate others: Tell your friends, family and colleagues about myGov phishing scams so you can spread awareness.
• 10. Regularly monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your account activity on your myGov account and linked services such as the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare or Department of Veterans Affairs.

By making sure you’re aware of the risks associated with the myGov phishing emails, and making sure you are proactive in taking measures to protect your account, you’re able to safeguard your personal information and minimise the risk of falling victim to a scam.

For more information on a range of scams, get your free Little Black Book of Scams from any branch of Horizon Bank: Albion Park, Thirroul, Wollongong. Address & contact details on the website.

Click here for more scam information thanks to Horizon Bank.