ATO Launches New App Feature to Stop Scam Calls.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced a new feature called “verify call” in its mobile app to help taxpayers stay safe from scam calls. With scam activity increasing, especially during tax season, this feature gives individuals a quick and simple way to check if a call claiming to be from the ATO is actually legitimate.

In practice, if you receive a call from someone saying they are from the ATO, you can open the app, log in, and tap the “verify call” option. Within about 30 seconds, the app will confirm whether the call is genuine. If no confirmation appears, it is a strong sign the call is a scam and you should hang up immediately. This feature forms part of the ATO’s broader fraud prevention measures, which also include alerts for any account changes and the ability to lock your account if suspicious activity is detected.

From a practical point of view, taxpayers are encouraged to download the ATO app, register their device, and use myID for added security. If you receive any suspicious contact, do not engage with the caller or provide any personal information. Instead, report the incident directly to the ATO or call their dedicated scam hotline on 1800 008 540 so appropriate action can be taken.

In conclusion, this new feature is a simple but effective way to protect yourself from tax-related scams. By using the ATO app and following basic precautions, you can quickly verify genuine contact and avoid falling victim to fraud.

Reference:

• Australian Taxation Office – ATO launches new app feature to stop scam calls