Minimising the risk of fraud

The Australian Taxation Office is urging all businesses and individuals to take care in relation to avoiding the risk of fraud.

With a focus on criminals lodging fraudulent returns in order to obtain unwarranted refunds through accessing banking information that is not their own, the ATO recommends businesses and individuals practice the following:

Discussions with staff and clients

Keep your employees and your clients about safe behaviours to protect them from being vulnerable to criminals, such as not clicking on downloads, hyperlinks or opening attachments in unsolicited emails.

Protection on devices

Ensuring the devices you use for confidential information such as transferring funds and purchasing goods and services are all up to date with protective software, such as malware detectors and firewalls. Also, ensure autofill forms are not saved or used.

Proof of identity

Before taking on new clients, ensure they provide numerous pieces of proof of identity. You should also question discrepancies before lodging their tax returns.

Internal security

Ensure all employees have access to only what they need in order to perform their role within the company. When employees cease employment, cancel their AUSkeys.