New ATO App Security Features

Verify Call

The Verify Call feature helps protect users against scam calls. If you receive a call claiming to be from the ATO, you can verify the call is genuinely from the ATO using the ATO app on your registered device.

Real Time Messages

The ATO app will notify users in real time when key changes are made to their ATO account. ATO app messages will be sent with a push notification when:

• an income tax lodgment is made
• a user’s bank account details are updated
• other changes are made to account details, such as when a user’s ATO online account is linked to a different myGov account.

Users will then be able to act if something doesn’t look right.

Account lock

If you are concerned about unauthorised access, you can use the ATO app to lock your ATO account and help keep it safe.

This helps to ensure only you (the taxpayer) or your registered tax practitioner can access your details, make changes or lodge returns on your behalf.

Account Unlock

If a user has locked their account due to suspected fraud, they must phone the ATO as soon as possible to discuss their concerns.

Where fraud is confirmed, the ATO will put further controls in place to protect your information. These controls may be reduced where you’ve set a Strong online access strength.

When you’re ready, you can unlock your ATO account from within the app. You must use the same registered device you used to lock it.

Author

Peta Stephen