Your super is a key part of your future financial wellbeing, so staying alert is one of the best ways to protect it. Here’s how you can spot the warning signs and keep your retirement savings safe from tax-related scams. 

Common tax and fraud scams to watch out for

Here are examples of scams targeting people with super accounts during tax time: 

• Urgent tax payment demands: You might encounter alerts claiming, ‘You have unpaid tax linked to your super. Pay now or face arrest.’ These are designed to intimidate you into acting without thinking. 
• Tax & overcharged fees refunds: Fraudsters might lure you with messages claiming, ‘You're eligible for a superannuation tax rebate or refund due to overcharged fees and/or tax. Click here to claim your refund.’ These links often lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information. 
• Imposter emails: Emails mimicking the ATO, complete with falsified tax summaries or login alerts, aim to collect your details, and compromise your identity or accounts. 
• Misleading calls: Beware of calls suggesting you move super or bank account funds for an ‘ATO investigation.’ Such calls are common methods bad actors use to threaten and deceive. 

Spotting the signs of tax fraud and scams

Scammers use various tactics to manipulate their victims, and identifying their methods is crucial. Here are warning signs to be aware of: 

• Threatening messages: Be cautious of communications threatening arrest, deportation or legal action if a ‘debt’ linked to tax or super isn’t quickly paid. Genuine tax authorities will never use fear tactics. 
• Fake refunds: Messages claiming you are owed a super refund or bonus should be treated with suspicion. These false promises are aimed at extracting sensitive information. 
• Unconventional payment methods: Requests for tax debt payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfers are clear indicators of fraud. No organisation will request that you purchase gift cards, regardless of whether it be online or instore, to pay off any debt. 
• Misdirected links: Emails or texts containing what seem like ATO or myGov links may route you to phishing sites. Always double-check, and if unsure, search for the legitimate site via your search engine and access the legitimate site that way. 
• Immediate action and secrecy: Pressure to act swiftly and keep the contact confidential is a common tactic. Always take a moment to stop and think. If you're unsure, cease all contact and contact us. 

Steps to protect yourself

To protect your information and finances from tax-related fraud and scams, keep these measures in mind: 

• Avoid suspicious links: Don’t click on links in texts or emails claiming to be from the ATO. 
• Disregard threatening calls: If you receive a call from someone demanding immediate payment under threat, hang up. The ATO and CareSuper do not conduct business this way and will never pressure you into making payments. 
• Use official sources: Only access tax services through ato.gov.au or via your secure myGov account. 
• Verify directly: If you’re unsure about any tax-related correspondence, contact us or the ATO directly for clarification. 
• Keep personal data private: Never share your TFN (tax file number) or myGov login details under any circumstances. Banks and superannuation companies may require copies of your ID documents but they will never request them via text (for example, WhatsApp, SMS) or social media (like Facebook or Instagram).  

What to do if you suspect a scam 

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. If you think you may have been targeted by a scam, please call 1800 005 166 straight away or email [email protected] - we're here to help.

Being aware of tax fraud is crucial for maintaining the security of your superannuation during peak scam periods. By relying on verified channels and staying informed about scammer tactics, you can protect your personal information and financial wellbeing. Always rely on checking official communications and resources to make sure your tax dealings are safe and secure. 

This is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you.
We're giving you this information in good faith. It comes from sources we think are reliable and helpful. However, we can't guarantee its accuracy and take no responsibility for this content, including any errors or omissions.