Guys just be wary.
Boss lady and I are registered on the "mygov" website and they DO communicate with emails.
Only for reminders and information though. You can log onto their site and read your messages to check if you are worried.
Even the ATO is moving into the digital age.
No different to paypal and others. Genuine emails are sent, but a heck of a lot of scammers do to.
Brian
As Brian says, just be wary.
But to be correct, the MyGov website is not the ATO. It is there to give you some access to various government departments. That does include some basic matters for the ATO, such as lodging simple personal tax returns.
If anyone does receive a suspicious communication, and are worried about what is said in the message, whether email or a phone call, take a few details, and contact the department by another means. If it is an email ring the ATO by phone to confirm. Or if a phone call ask them for the number to call back. Genuine ATO staff will not expect anything to happen right now. The ATO is really genuinely helpful, and only wish to have data lodged correctly. They are not out to extract fines or make taxpayers pay things over the phone.
Back on topic, for matters like the email scams for refunds or fine payments. That sort of communication does not happen by email, so if you do get contact like that take a step back and get a second confirmation before you give more information, click on that link or god forbid hand money over. Be overcautious.
