Small businesses should keep on their toes at this time of year, as scammers are very active during the end of the financial year, warns SCAMwatch.
According to a statement from SCAMwatch, there is a range of various scams aimed at start-ups, including billing for advertising that has never been requested to overpayment scams and shonky investment opportunities.
SCAMwatch provided some tips for businesses during tax time to avoid being conned.
- Protect your business. Limit who has authority to buy or order anything and keep written records of all orders and purchases.
- If you are unsure whether you have received a legitimate invoice or request, contact the organisation. Don’t rely on contact details provided to you in an email – obtain the details through an internet search, telephone directory or official letters/statements from organisations like banks.
- Remember that government agencies, banks and financial institutions will never send emails requesting verification of personal details for any reason, including tax returns.
