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Scams by numbers – 2022–23 scam data is now available

Did you know that your clients aged between 35-44 are the most likely to pay money to a scammer?

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Scams are becoming increasingly harder for the community to identify. The 2022–23 scam data results are now available and they reflect a shift in how Australians are responding to fake emails, SMS and social media messages.

During this period, there were 25,609 ATO impersonation scams reported, an increase of over 25%. Despite the spike in this number, there has been a 75% decrease in the amount of money paid to scammers.

Scammers are becoming increasingly interested in harvesting personally identifying information (PII) rather than requesting payments. Divulging PII continues to be a way for scammers to compromise another’s identity, leading to difficulties with lodging tax returns and myGov logins. However, we saw a 71% decrease in people providing this information.

Please encourage your clients to stay vigilant, lock down their identity information and frequently sign into their online accounts to check for unusual changes.

 

(NB: Stopping scammers funds is the only way to stop them and the above shows we are learning.  Keep up the good work!)

Latest scam data

2022–23 Scams by numbers

Last financial year our data shows:

  • There were 25,609 ATO impersonation scams reported to us, an increase of over 25%.
  • The amount of money paid to scammers decreased by 75%.
  • Only 28 people paid money to a scammer, a 66% decrease.
  • 346 people divulged personal identifying information (PII), a decrease of 71%.
  • There has been a significant shift in the way scammers are contacting people – Email has increased by 179% and SMS contact has increased by 414%.
  • The shift toward SMS and email scams has seen an increase in targeted phishing scams, leading clients to fraudulent websites. In response, we have initiated 4,836 take downs of websites with AusCERT.
  • 35–44-year old’s are now the most likely to pay money to a scammer, this has shifted from the younger demographic of 25–34 year old’s in the previous year.
  • 25–34-year old’s have remained the age group that divulged the most PII to scammers.

 

Source:  ATO

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We may collect the following types of personal information:

1.1. Personal Identifiers: Name, email address, postal address, phone number, date of birth, and other contact details.

1.2. Account Information: Usernames, passwords, and other credentials used to access our website and services.

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Disclaimer

The contents hereinafter presented and made accessible on this website are exclusively provided by Advanced Partners, representing general informational materials. The purpose of these materials is solely to serve as guidance and in no case should they be interpreted as counsel or advice on any specific matter.

In using the information provided, you are encouraged to assess its relevance to your individual goals, financial circumstances, and needs. In the event of detailed descriptions of any products being available on this website, you are advised to procure the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) corresponding to said products, and to deliberate on its contents prior to any decision-making.

Advanced Partners extends no assurances or warranties pertaining to uninterrupted, delay-free, error-free, or omission-free operation of the Site, nor its immunity from viruses. Thus, the information is furnished “as is”, bereft of warranties of any kind, express or implied, inclusive of those concerning accuracy, promptness, and completeness.

Advanced Partners and its respective affiliates (be they direct or indirect) renounce all guarantees, obligations, and warranties, be they express or implied, and shall not bear liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including those resulting from human or computer errors, whether negligent or otherwise, or incidental or consequential losses or damages) that arise from or are connected with any utilization of or reliance on the information or advice on this site. The user must undertake sole responsibility related to the use of the material on this site, regardless of the purpose or the outcomes of such usage. The information available on this website should not be considered a replacement for professional tax advice or consultation.

Our liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.