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New ATO App Feature Enhances Security Against Scam Calls
Australians now have a powerful tool to verify phone calls claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). With the launch of the new "Verify Call" feature in the ATO app, taxpayers can easily confirm the legitimacy of incoming calls, protecting themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams.
What Is the Verify Call Feature?
To use the Verify Call feature, taxpayers need to:
- Receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO.
- Open the ATO app and log in.
- Select the "Verify Call" option.
Within 30 seconds, the app will notify the user if the call is genuine. If there’s no notification, it’s advisable to hang up immediately and assume the call is a scam.
Why This Feature Is Important
As more Australians experience the threat of phone scams, the ATO is taking steps to enhance security. Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen states that scammers are becoming more adept at impersonating legitimate callers, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between real and fraudulent calls.
"This powerful security measure means fraudsters will find it harder to pretend to be the ATO. Australians will have more control over their accounts and greater certainty that they are communicating with the real tax office," Challen emphasised.
The announcement has been well received by professionals in the financial sector. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand’s tax leader, Susan Franks, expressed support for the initiative, noting that it could help prevent financial loss and the emotional toll that comes from falling victim to scams.
The Growing Problem of Scams
Phishing scams, where cybercriminals pose as trustworthy entities (like the ATO or banks) to extract personal information, are on the rise. Data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission indicates that Australians lost a staggering $97.6 million to such scams last year. In July 2025 alone, 7,500 reports of ATO impersonation scams were recorded.
Given the proximity to tax season, awareness and vigilance are critical. Challen remarked, "Scammers are primed for the opportunity during tax time to take advantage of taxpayers who may expect communications from the ATO." She advises anyone in doubt to pause and verify before responding to suspicious calls or messages.
Additional Security Measures
To further safeguard user accounts, the ATO recommends using myID for the most secure sign-in method. The app also provides real-time notifications for changes made to accounts, alongside account-locking features for enhanced security.
Conclusion
With the implementation of the Verify Call feature, the ATO aims to empower Australians to protect themselves from scammers. For those looking to take advantage of this new security measure, the ATO app must be downloaded and registered.
As phone scams are an ongoing concern, this initiative is a crucial step in providing certainty and security to taxpayers across Australia.
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