Ipswich and Somerset Residents are being urged to remain vigilant against scams as tax-time approaches.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP said that the period between June and August was a particularly active time for scammers looking to target vulnerable Australians.

“Each year, the Australian Taxation Office encourages people to be on the lookout for tax related scams in the lead up to the end of the financial year.

“The last few years have seen a significant increase in reports of scams from people impersonating ATO officials, and already we’ve received reports from local residents about similar tactics being used in 2017. 

“While most people are pretty good at catching out a fake phone call, the sheer number of scam calls and the use of more sophisticated measures by fraudsters mean that some people are still getting caught out.

“Last year alone, Australian’s handed over nearly $300 million over to scammers, with seniors and pensioners particularly vulnerable.”

Mr Neumann said that there were ways for people to tell if a call from a Government agency is legitimate or not.

“The ATO does not cold call people about debts, they don’t behave in an aggressive manner and they definitely don’t threaten jail or arrest. 

“If you’re unsure whether or not the person on the other end of the line is who they say they are, hang up the phone, and ring back using the official ATO contact details.

“Alternatively, my office is always happy to lend a hand.”