The ATO have received reports of a new ATO impersonation email scam circulating in the community. The scam advises people they have an outstanding tax-related ‘DocuSign’ that requires action.

The scam looks like a real ‘DocuSign’ email, making it appear familiar and trustworthy to recipients who have used the platform previously.

Scammers attempt to trick recipients into clicking on the Review Document button by naming the document ‘Declaration and Final Release’. The email also details (often in the subject line) tax-related text such as ‘notice of assessment’. This approach falsely implies the DocuSign is from the ATO and that we are holding the recipient’s tax refund until this action is completed.

The following image is an example of the scam email.

If the recipient clicks on the Review Document button, an embedded link directs them to a fake myGov sign in page. This is designed to steal personal information, such as their myGov sign in credentials, name, date of birth and drivers licence details. Scammers then use this information to:

• commit refund fraud in their name
• access their myGov account to steal their tax refund
• steal their superannuation
• sell the personal identity to organised crime groups online.

The following image is an example of the fake myGov sign in page.

The ATO will NEVER use DocuSign to finalise a tax refund.

If you receive an email like this, report it to us by forwarding the email to [email protected] then delete it.

Remember:

• We will never send an unsolicited message that directs you to a log in page or ask you to send personal identifying information through SMS or email.
• Don’t click on links, open attachments or download any files from suspicious emails or SMS. We will never send an unsolicited SMS that contains a hyperlink.
• We will send legitimate email communication via ATO online services. You can check this by signing in to your myGov account. You can also contact your tax agent or us.

If someone claiming to be from the ATO contacts you and tells you are owed a refund, have a tax debt, or asks for your myGov sign in credentials, bank details or personal information such as your tax file number, it is likely a scam.

If you aren’t sure if it’s really the ATO contacting you, do not engage. Phone us on 1800 008 540 to check.

Learn more on how to protect yourself and stay scam safe.

Scam alerts | Australian Taxation Office