Scam in AustraliaFake officials
Fake tax-debt demands for gift cards in Australia
How it works
Someone claiming to represent the ATO demands payment of a supposed tax debt using Spotify or iTunes gift cards. The ATO does not request debt payments this way.
Warning signs
- A supposed ATO representative asks for gift cards.
- You are told to settle a tax debt with Spotify or iTunes cards.
How to avoid it
- Do not buy gift cards to pay a claimed tax debt.
- Do not share gift-card codes.
- Read the scam warnings displayed at shop checkouts.
If it happens to you
Stop contact. Keep messages and receipts. If you shared a gift-card code, contact the gift-card provider promptly and report the fraud to police.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
- Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advicePhone scammers posing as ATO officialsWA ScamNet records a Mandurah woman buying approximately $7,000 in iTunes cards after callers threatened her over a fabricated unpaid tax debt.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2016Phone Scam - Northern TerritoryNorthern Territory Police report aggressive callers threatening arrest over fake tax debts and demanding payment through iTunes cards or other unusual methods.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/AskAnAustralian2025Have you or anyone you know ever actually been scammed before in Australia?A commenter says an acquaintance fell for a scam demanding iTunes gift cards to settle a supposed tax debt and prevent immediate arrest.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake tax-debt demands for gift cards scam in Australia?
Someone claiming to represent the ATO demands payment of a supposed tax debt using Spotify or iTunes gift cards. The ATO does not request debt payments this way.
How can I spot it early?
A supposed ATO representative asks for gift cards. You are told to settle a tax debt with Spotify or iTunes cards.
How do I avoid fake tax-debt demands for gift cards in Australia?
Do not buy gift cards to pay a claimed tax debt. Do not share gift-card codes. Read the scam warnings displayed at shop checkouts.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop contact. Keep messages and receipts. If you shared a gift-card code, contact the gift-card provider promptly and report the fraud to police.
Where in Australia does this happen?
Across Australia. These ongoing scams especially target older people and people unfamiliar with the trick.
How common is this scam in Australia?
Occasional. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?
Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.
Reviewed by @snuck