ATO SMS Scam Protection: Do You Need To Register Your Mobile Number?

Future Accounting
12 minutes ago
3 min read

Recent media reports about ATO SMS Scam Protection have raised questions for many taxpayers. We've received several enquiries from clients asking whether they need to register their mobile phone number with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and what these new anti-scam measures mean.

The good news is that there is no requirement for taxpayers to register their mobile number. However, there are some important steps you can take to ensure your details are up to date and that you remain protected from scams.

You may have heard about ATO SMS Scam Protection

With increasing reports of scam text messages impersonating government agencies, banks and other trusted organisations, the Australian Government has introduced new measures to help Australians identify legitimate SMS communications more easily. As a result, many people have heard about ATO SMS Scam Protection through news articles, social media and other media channels and are wondering whether they need to take action.

What is ATO SMS Scam Protection?

ATO SMS Scam Protection forms part of a broader initiative designed to reduce SMS impersonation scams. Under the new SMS Sender ID Register, trusted organisations such as the ATO can register their sender names, making it more difficult for scammers to send messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. The goal is to help Australians identify genuine communications and reduce the risk of fraud.

Do you need to register your mobile number?

No. Individual taxpayers are not required to register their mobile phone number as part of ATO SMS Scam Protection. There is no application process, registration form or opt-in requirement for taxpayers. If you have heard that phone numbers need to be registered with the ATO, this is a common misunderstanding of the new anti-scam measures.

What should you do now?

Although no registration is required, it is important to ensure your contact details are current with both the ATO and your myGov account. We recommend checking that your mobile phone number, email address and security settings are accurate and up to date. Keeping your information current helps ensure you receive important notifications and can access government services securely.

How to protect yourself from ATO scams

Scammers are constantly developing new ways to target Australians. If you receive a message claiming to be from the ATO, avoid clicking on links unless you are certain the communication is genuine. Access myGov directly through your browser or the official app, and never provide personal information or login credentials in response to an unexpected text message. If you are unsure, seek professional advice before taking action.