If you’ve ever picked up a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO and felt that knot of anxiety in your stomach, you’re not alone. ATO impersonation scams have been doing the rounds for years, and they’ve gotten more convincing over time. Callers can sound professional, use official-sounding language, and even drop in details that feel uncomfortably specific.
The good news? The ATO has built something into their free app that takes the guesswork out of it entirely – Verify call.
What Is the ATO App?
The ATO app is a free mobile app for individuals and sole traders in Australia. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Just make sure you’re downloading the official version directly from those platforms, not a third-party site.
Think of it as your personal dashboard for everything tax and super-related. You can check your lodgment status, update your details, and now protect yourself from scammers. Once you download it, you’ll go through a simple one-time device registration process that unlocks all the security features.
How the Verify Call Feature Works
So someone calls you. They say they’re from the ATO. Maybe they mention a tax debt, a missed lodgment, or a refund that’s on hold. Your instinct might be to either panic or engage but here’s what you should do instead:
- Keep them on the line (or put them on hold)
- Open the ATO app on the same device you registered
- Use the Verify call feature to check whether the ATO is actually trying to reach you
- If the call cannot be verified, hang up immediately
That’s it. The app tells you in real time whether there’s a genuine ATO call linked to your account.
And if you can’t verify it, the ATO’s advice is to end the call immediately and don’t continue the conversation. Scammers rely on keeping you talking so don’t give them the chance.
Other Security Features Worth Knowing About
Real-time account alerts
The app sends you a notification the moment something changes on your ATO account. Things like a tax return being lodged in your name, or your bank account details being updated. You see it happen in real time. So, if something looks off, you can act straight away rather than finding out weeks later when the damage is already done.
Account lock feature
If you suspect someone has gained access to your ATO account or if you’ve received a suspicious alert, you can lock your account directly from the app. When locked, nobody (not even you, temporarily) can log in, make changes, or receive refunds. Only your registered tax agent retains access.
When you’re ready to unlock it, you’ll need to use the exact same device you used to lock it.
Real-Life Example: How the ATO App Can Protect You
The ATO provides a case study demonstrating how these features work in practice:
A taxpayer received a notification that their bank details had been updated, even though they had not authorised any changes.
Because they had the ATO app:
- They received the alert in real time
- They immediately used the account lock feature
- This prevented a fraudulent refund from being processed
- They then contacted the ATO to secure their account and safely restore access.
Don’t Fall for Scam Calls
Tax scams aren’t going away anytime soon. If anything, they’ve become more sophisticated and the stakes are higher when someone has access to your ATO account, your refunds, or your super.
The ATO app’s latest security enhancements, especially the Verify Call feature, provide a simple way to confirm legitimate communications and avoid costly mistakes.
For a full breakdown of everything the app can do, you can check out ATO’s dedicated page.
If you’re a Chan & Naylor client and you have questions about your ATO account security, or if something doesn’t look right, reach out to our team. We’d much rather help you sort it early than deal with the fallout later.
About Chan & Naylor
Since 1990, Chan & Naylor has partnered with business owners and property investors in managing their taxes and building a tax-effective wealth. Choosing Chan & Naylor means you’re not just selecting a service provider; you’re gaining a partner aligned with your financial goals. You’ll have access to a dedicated client manager supported by a team of accountants that specialises in business and property tax.
Disclaimer
This article serves as general information only and may not account for the unique circumstances of individual readers. For personalised and strategic solutions tailored to your specific situation, seek professional advice from Chan & Naylor. Our highly experienced team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of Australian taxation, ensuring that your financial strategies align with the latest regulations. Contact us today to embark on a path of informed and customised tax planning for your property investments.
