Protect Your Information
The ATO has seen an increase in scams targeting individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII).
In 2022, a person’s birthdate was the most common piece of PII divulged to scammers. Nowadays, scammers are getting their hands on far more valuable information.
Last year, the ATO saw an increase in reports of scams targeting people’s PII, including myGov sign-in credentials – the doorway to their ATO accounts and financial information.
PII forms pieces of a scammer’s puzzle that, when completed, gives them a detailed picture of a person’s identity. Scammers can then use this information to steal the person’s identity and commit crimes in their name, such as tax fraud.
The Role of Your Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers play a crucial role in helping clients safeguard their PII. They educate clients on the importance of protecting personal details, and encourage verification of requests for such information. Bookkeepers protect client data by implementing secure practices like encrypted storage and access controls.
Staying informed about security threats enables bookkeepers to provide timely updates and guidance. By promoting best practices and prompt reporting of suspicious activity, bookkeepers help maintain client identity integrity and build trust through proactive management of personal information.
It is important for your bookkeeper to have a conversation with you about protecting your PII – especially your myGov credentials.
Here are some key points to remember:
Stop – Don’t share any PII unless you trust the person you’re communicating with and they have a legitimate need for your details.
Think – Always consider if a message or call could be fake. Never click on hyperlinks to an online login portal from an unexpected source.
Protect – If you notice any suspicious activity on your ATO accounts, contact the ATO immediately.
Your security is our priority, so please stay vigilant and protect your information. These may seem like simple steps, but following them could prevent a scammer from putting your identity together.
If you do encounter a scammer, don’t engage. Report it via [email protected] or use the online form at ato.gov.au/scams.
More information and practical steps to help your clients protect their information are available at ato.gov.au/protectyourself.
Source: ATO – Scams are on the rise. Protect client information
