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Did you know that protecting your tax file number is as important as safeguarding your
passport, birth certificate and pin for your bank cards.
This is because your personal information can be stolen by identity thieves and used
to steal money from you, to lodge dodgy tax returns, shop online using your credit card,
apply for government benefits and commit driving offences recorded against your licence details.
A tax file number is like a secret code that is used to identify you for taxation purposes,
and therefore, only a few organisations should ever ask you for your tax file number. These
include the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink, your superannuation fund and your employer,
but only after you have started working for your employer.
Never give out your tax file number at a job interview. You will also be asked for your
tax file number when applying for a new bank account and when lodging a tax return.
But at all other times, keep it locked away and safe and never store it in your phone
or wallet. These miscreants that we know as identity
thieves,often sift through rubbish bins looking for personal information that they can use
to exploit you. So outsmart them by using a paper shredder,
or by destroying any sensitive documents containing your personal information before you throw
them out. Computers and technology had made life in
the 21st century much easier. Unfortunately, it has made it a lot easier for identity thieves
too. And now, they don't even need to get their hands dirty scrounging through the trash.
Some tips to help you are to be aware of online scams and emails that attempt to trick you
in to giving them your tax file number and personal details.
Furthermore, if you choose to lodge your tax return online, ensure that the computer you
are using has up-to-date antivirus software. Lastly, if you believe the safety of your
tax file number has been compromised, contact the Australian Taxation Office immediately.
From there, the ATO can monitor the use of your number and issue you with a new tax file
number if the need arises.