ATO security safeguards for victims of fraud recently enhanced

Enhanced Security Measures for Victims of Identity and Tax Fraud

Taxpayers affected by fraud can now set up Strong online access for easier, secure use of ATO services—learn how to protect your account long-term

Where a taxpayer has been the victim of identity, tax or super fraud, the ATO may apply security safeguards to their account to prevent further harm.  This may require the impacted taxpayer to contact the ATO each time they need to access their information and cause inconvenience for the taxpayer as well as their tax agents.

The ATO has recently enhanced processes to improve ongoing access to ATO online services.  Impacted taxpayers must contact the ATO for initial access and then set a Strong online access strength.

To set a Strong online access strength, taxpayers need to:

  • set up their myGovID to a Strong identity strength using their Australian passport;
  • connect their myGovID to their myGov account;
  • sign in to myGov with their myGovID; and
  • go to ATO online services.

Once set, taxpayers no longer need to contact the ATO every time they access their information.

Impacted taxpayers must continue to use their Strong myGovID whenever they access ATO online services, or account access will be restricted to maintain ongoing protection of client information.

As noted above, myGovID will soon be changing its name to myID.

Need help?

The Government has urged Australians to be vigilant regarding scammers who target ATO log-in details to commit tax fraud. Find information and examples on the latest tax and super-related ATO impersonation scams here »

Related reading

Government warns of ‘malicious’ myGov scammers

Justin Flavel

Managing Director

Justin’s experience spans across 20 years in accounting, financial analysis and general business practice.

Although born and bred on the land, Justin’s interest was more in spreadsheets, ledgers, and finance which led him to attend university. In 1992, Justin graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. As well as qualifying as a CPA member and becoming a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia, he began gaining practical experience in small and mid-tier accounting practices.

During the late 90s, Justin decided to expand his horizons and travel through Europe. It was during this time that he seized the opportunity to expand his knowledge on the workings of large organisations by taking on roles in multinational corporations.

Today, Justin’s passion is in facilitating businesses to grow and evolve. His focus is on acting in the role of business mentor to help clients develop the full potential of their businesses. He joins clients on their unique journey, and provides the tools and knowledge they need along the way to make the right decisions.

Justin’s aim for his clients parallels his own philosophy and personal journey—focusing on his own career growth and business success while maintaining balance in his life with his wife and three daughters.

Omnis Group Managing Director - Justin Flavel