NSW Labor

Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, today warned New South Wales consumers to be wary of a scam email offering bonus tax refunds.

Ms Judge said the bogus email, which uses the Australian Tax Office logo, promises consumers they will receive 19 per cent off their 2009 taxes.

“If you have received this email, delete it immediately,” she said.

“This is a phishing scam that is designed to con consumers into divulging their personal details so they can rip you off.

“If you have received this email and provided your tax file number you should contact the Australian Tax Office by emailing reportemailfraud@ato.gov.au.

“If you have submitted credit card or account details you should contact your bank immediately to prevent scammers from accessing your money.”

Ms Judge said the best protection against this type of fraud is vigilance.

“Legitimate banks and financial institutions will not email you asking for personal information, so if you receive one you can bet you’re the target of scammers,” she said.

“If you receive a suspicious phone call, tell them you will call back on a number listed in the phonebook.

“If you believe you have been targeted by scammers you should contact the bank or financial institution and check your bank statements.”

Ms Judge said consumers should also do their homework.

“If you are contacted by a financial organisation that you are associated with, always seek independent advice,” she said.

“You should contact the organisation directly by telephone to confirm the email’s authenticity or go directly to the official website and look for information there.

“Don’t click on web links in emails because they can take you to elaborate hoax sites that might look legitimate.”

Ms Judge encouraged consumers to use the Australian Competition and Consumers Commission’s ‘SCAMwatch’ website (www.scamwatch.gov.au) for the latest information on scams, or contact NSW Fair Trading by telephone on 13 32 20.

Consumers should also check the Australian Tax Office website – www.ato.gov.au.