Tax time is when many Australian families are busy checking refunds, gathering payslips and logging in to myGov — and it is also when scammers become especially active. For Indian Australians, including international students, new migrants, skilled workers and families helping parents navigate online services, a convincing text message or email can create real financial and identity risks.
Victoria Police warned on 13 July 2026 that scammers are targeting myGov sign-in details to commit tax fraud, while also impersonating well-known Australian retailers during end-of-financial-year sales. The warning is a timely reminder for the Indian community Australia-wide: treat urgent tax, refund and account messages with caution, even when they look familiar.
Why tax-time scams matter for Indian Australians
Many migrants rely on myGov to access the Australian Taxation Office, Medicare, Centrelink, Child Care Subsidy information and other essential services. If a scammer captures a myGov login, they may be able to attempt identity theft, redirect tax refunds, lodge false claims or use personal information for other fraud.
Scams can be particularly stressful for people still learning Australian systems. New arrivals may not know what the ATO, Services Australia, police or banks will — and will not — ask for by phone, SMS or email. That uncertainty is exactly what scammers exploit.
Common warning signs to watch for
Scam messages often try to create urgency or fear. During tax time, Indian Australians should be extra cautious of messages that:
- claim your tax refund is ready and ask you to click a link to “verify” details;
- say your myGov account will be suspended unless you act immediately;
- ask for passwords, one-time codes, bank details, passport details or visa information;
- offer unusually large refunds or discounts that seem too good to be true;
- pretend to be from a government department but use a shortened, misspelled or unfamiliar web address;
- ask you to pay a fine, tax debt or “processing fee” using gift cards, cryptocurrency or bank transfer.
How to check a message safely
The safest habit is simple: do not click the link in a message. Open your browser or the official myGov app and type the address yourself. You can also search for the official government website rather than trusting a link sent to you.
If a call, email or text claims to be urgent, pause before responding. Government agencies will not ask for your myGov password, bank PIN or authentication codes. If you are unsure, contact the agency through an official number listed on its website, not the number in the message.
Practical checklist for families, students and new migrants
- Turn on strong security: use a unique password for myGov and enable multi-factor authentication where available.
- Protect one-time codes: never share SMS or app codes, even with someone claiming to be from a bank, the ATO or police.
- Check the sender carefully: spelling mistakes, pressure tactics and strange links are red flags.
- Talk to elders and students: parents visiting Australia, newly arrived students and people working casual jobs may be more vulnerable to official-sounding threats.
- Keep records: if you receive a suspicious message, take screenshots and note the number, email address or website.
- Use registered tax agents: if you need tax help, check that your agent is registered and be careful with social media offers promising guaranteed refunds.
Immigration and visa threats are another red flag
Scamwatch has previously warned that migrants and temporary visa holders can be targeted by callers pretending to be immigration officials and threatening deportation over supposed paperwork or visa problems. These calls are designed to frighten people into paying money quickly.
If someone says your visa will be cancelled unless you pay immediately, stop and verify independently. Use your ImmiAccount, check the Department of Home Affairs website, or seek advice from a registered migration agent. Do not transfer money because of a threatening phone call.
What to do if you clicked a suspicious link
If you think you have entered details into a fake website, act quickly:
- change your myGov password from the official website or app;
- contact your bank if you shared financial information or notice unusual activity;
- report cybercrime through ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au;
- report scams to Scamwatch so authorities can track patterns;
- contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 for non-urgent police help, or call 000 if there is immediate danger.
Community takeaway
Tax time should be about getting your records in order, not losing control of your identity. For Indian Australians, the best defence is a family-wide safety habit: slow down, verify through official channels, and never share passwords or codes. If a message creates panic, that is often the strongest sign to step back before clicking.