Scammers pose as Australian Tax Office

from news.com.au (01/07/09)

CYBER criminals purporting to be the Australian Taxation Office are using an email scam to fleece consumers.
The fake ATO email, which promises a $250 bonus on top of a tax return, links the taxpayer to an online form that asks for personal details including ATM PIN, credit card details and tax file number. Instead of submitting the form online, the website asks for a printed version to be mailed to an address. Symantec Australia and New Zealand managing director Craig Scroggie said cyber criminals captured the details when the print button was pressed, allowing access to the accounts. "They are targeting a named brand and a trusted brand," he said. The ATO has warned that several similar email scams are in operation, and said people who receive the email should delete it immediately.
Meanwhile, tax cuts of $300-$1500 a year for millions of workers and higher benefits for low-income earners, carers and pensioners begin to flow from today. Pensioners, carers and disability support pensioners will also be able to earn more income and hold more assets without suffering penalty, though their income will not rise until September 1. Low-paid workers will now effectively be able to earn up to $15,000 a year tax-free, under a higher low-income tax offset