At Diverse Business Consultants, we’re committed to safeguarding your financial well-being, including protecting your personally identifiable information (PII) from scammers. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has highlighted a worrying increase in scams targeting individuals’ PII. In 2022, birthdates were the most frequently shared piece of PII with scammers. However, today, the situation has escalated, and more sensitive information is at risk.
Last year, scam reports involving the theft of PII, particularly targeting myGov sign-in credentials – the gateway to ATO accounts and financial data – surged. Scammers use PII like puzzle pieces to form a complete picture of someone’s identity, enabling them to commit identity theft and crimes such as tax fraud in the victim’s name.
How We Can Help You Stay Safe
At Diverse Business Consultants, we play a crucial role in protecting your PII. We educate our clients on the importance of safeguarding personal details and encourage verification of any requests for such information. Our secure practices, including encrypted storage and access controls, ensure your data is well protected.
By staying updated on security threats, we can provide timely advice and guidance. We promote best practices and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities to maintain the integrity of your identity and build trust through proactive information management.
It’s essential for us to discuss with you how to protect your PII, especially your myGov credentials. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Key Points to Remember:
Stop – Don’t share PII unless you are sure of the identity and legitimacy of the person requesting it.
Think—Always consider the possibility that a message or call is a scam. Never click on links to online login portals from unexpected sources.
Protect – Immediately report any suspicious activity on your ATO accounts to the ATO.
Your security is our priority. While staying vigilant and protecting your information might seem straightforward, these steps are crucial in preventing scammers from compiling your identity.
If you encounter a scammer, don’t engage. Report it to ReportScams@ato.gov.au or via the online form at ato.gov.au/scams.
For more information and practical steps to protect your information, visit ato.gov.au/protectyourself.
Awareness and proactive measures are your best defences against scammers. Stay informed and cautious to effectively safeguard your personal information. Remember, at Diverse Business Consultants, we’re always here to help you navigate these challenges with confidence and peace of mind.
