ATO Introduces Real-Time Call Verification to Protect Taxpayers from Scams
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has rolled out a new verification feature in its official app, enabling Australians to instantly confirm whether incoming calls are genuinely from the tax office or fraudulent impersonators. This initiative is part of a broader effort to clamp down on increasingly sophisticated scams that target taxpayers, especially around tax time when fraud attempts typically spike.
How the Verification Tool Works
To use the feature, individuals must first download the ATO app and register their device. Upon receiving a call claiming to be from the ATO, users can log into the app and select the verify call option. Within 30 seconds, a notification will appear to confirm if the contact is legitimate. If no confirmation is received, the ATO advises hanging up immediately and treating the call as a scam.
Enhanced Security Measures
ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen emphasized that this tool empowers taxpayers to challenge suspicious contact and better safeguard their personal and financial information. "Scammers are becoming increasingly savvy, making it harder for individuals to distinguish between illegitimate and genuine contact," Challen stated. "This powerful security measure means fraudsters will find it harder to pretend to impersonate the ATO, giving Australians more control over their accounts and certainty they are dealing with the real tax office."
The rollout is integrated into the ATO's Counter Fraud Program, strengthening existing app protections such as alerts for account changes and options to lock accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Rising Threat of Impersonation Scams
The warning comes amid a surge in impersonation scams, with the ATO recording nearly 7,500 reports in July 2025 alone. Challen cautioned, "April Fool’s may have passed but don’t be fooled by fraudsters attempting to access your tax and super accounts. Scammers are primed for the opportunity during tax time to take advantage of taxpayers expecting communications from the ATO."
Additional Safety Recommendations
Australians are urged to enhance their account security by signing in via myID, which offers the highest identity strength for maximum protection. The ATO also advises:
- Avoid engaging with suspicious calls, texts, emails, or social media messages.
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unverified sources.
- If personal information has been shared or a payment made, contact the ATO immediately at 1800 008 540 and report the incident.
For more information, taxpayers can visit the ATO's ScamSafe website. This proactive approach aims to reduce financial losses and protect sensitive data from fraudulent activities.
