By PAUL MILLAR
THE TAX office has issued a timely warning against scammers, with wage earners across the region preparing returns for potential rebates.
Taxation fraudsters operating in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula have been highlighted in the Independent recently and shysters are expected to attempt to cash in on local targets.
The Australian Taxation Office said scammers, using emails, faxes, SMS and phone calls could look or sound convincing.
“You can generally tell they’re not genuine because they offer you an unexpected refund or grant and ask you to provide personal information, credit card information or money,“ the ATO said in an alert.
‘’We will never email you asking for personal or credit card details, and you should never provide this information.
“Under no circumstances should you give personal information, including credit card or banking details. Anyone who has received a suspicious phone call or email should contact us immediately.”
The Independent revealed in May that con artists had targeted the region, with authorities warning businesses and residents they could become unsuspecting targets.
Local identity Mick Robinson, from Newcomb, said he received two messages on his answering machine from someone claiming to be from the ATO “to inform you that legal proceedings against your name will proceed in the next 24 hours. A collection officer will call soon to complete paperwork”.
A number was left for him to call, to pay the alleged debt. Mr Robinson’s daughter-in-law, from East Geelong also received a demand call from a woman at the “tax office” about an alleged $2000 debt. After she was challenged, the caller hung up.
If in doubt about the authenticity of a call from the ATO, phone 13 28 61.
