We’ve all had one of those calls … Typically originating from some random number that, when you answer, launches into a robotic voice warning you to take immediate action on a tax debt or face jail time.

Even though the ATO will never call to threaten you with arrest, many Aussies stay on the line, and then find themselves prey to an impersonation scam. Bad actors (not the Razzies kind) alleging to be the ATO, snaffle up personal details and, in the worst-case scenarios, your hard-earned cash.

All that is about to change. The ATO’s Verify Call service has launched in the ATO app, and it allows Aussies to confirm whether they are speaking with an ATO representative in real time.

Taking back control

ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen says the new feature puts control back in taxpayers’ hands, allowing them to shut down calls that are not from the ATO and protect their accounts.

‘Scammers are becoming increasingly savvy, making it harder for individuals to distinguish between illegitimate and genuine contact,’ Challen said.

‘This powerful security measure means fraudsters will find it harder to pretend to impersonate the ATO, Australians will have more control of their accounts and more certainty that they are dealing with the real tax office.’

The service is being delivered as part of the ATO’s Counter Fraud Program, which aims to keep taxpayers’ accounts and funds secure. It’s a timely measure as scammers once again set their sights on Aussies ahead of tax time.

ATO Verify call feature. Image supplied.

Download the ATO app and stay protected

CA ANZ’s Australian Tax Leader, Susan Franks, said CA ANZ is advocating for all Aussies to adopt the feature.

“Phone scams continue to catch people off guard. We strongly support the Verify Call feature because it empowers Australians to check instantly, while still on the call, whether they’re speaking with a real ATO official,” Franks said.

“A quick check can prevent both financial loss and the emotional distress that often follows a successful scam.”

Taxpayers are being encouraged to download the ATO app and register their device. Then, if they receive a call from someone claiming to be the ATO, they can log in and verify the call. The ATO promises to verify the call within 30 seconds.

Scams continue to rise

Impersonation scams continue to be amongst the most prevalent of ATO scams, with 7500 scams reported in July 2025

‘April Fool’s may have passed but don’t be fooled by fraudsters attempting to access your tax and super accounts,’ said Challen.

‘Scammers are primed for the opportunity during tax time to try to take advantage of taxpayers who may be expecting communications from the ATO.’

‘When in doubt, stop and check, before responding or acting on a call or message claiming to be from the ATO.”

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Follow Business Builders on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.