THE Australian Tax Office is warning people to be on the lookout for fake tax refund emails.
Scammers are emailing people, asking them to verify their billing information in order to "file" their tax refund.
"Do not click anywhere in the email, as it contains a malicious link and will direct you to a fake 'Tax Refund' form in order to steal your personal information," an ATO spokesperson said.
The ATO reminds email users to always exercise caution when clicking links or opening email attachments.
There are several ways to spot the dodgy email, which misleadingly includes the Australian Taxation Office logo and asks you to click a link that appears to be the ATO website. But when hovering over the link it does not lead to an ato.gov.au address.
Other red flags are that fact that the email doesn't include your name, and contains poor grammar and spelling. The email will also be unexpected.
"All online management of your tax affairs should be carried out via your myGov account," the spokesperson said. "The ATO does not have an online 'Tax Refund' form."
What to do if you think you've been scammed?
SCAMS are designed to trick you into paying money or giving out your personal information.
If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the ATO do not click on any links, open attachments or respond.
Forward the entire email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au and delete any record of the scam email from your account.
If you are in doubt about an interaction you have had with someone claiming to be from the ATO, or you think you have fallen victim to an ATO impersonation scam, phone 1800-008-540, 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.