Scam Emails in Australia: Real Examples from ATO & AusPost

📩 Scam Emails Are Fooling Thousands of Aussies Daily

Received a suspicious email from Australia Post, the ATO, or a bank? You're not alone. In 2025, scammers are using fake email addresses, urgent tones, and convincing layouts to trick people into clicking links, sharing details, or making payments.

This blog reveals real examples of scam emails targeting Australians. We’ll show you how to spot them and what to do if you receive one. Don’t fall for it — read on and stay one step ahead!

✉️ Why Scam Emails Are Still a Big Problem in 2025

Scam emails in Australia are getting sneakier in 2025 — with fake messages from Australia Post, the ATO, MyGov, and even Telstra fooling thousands every day. These emails look real, use urgent language, and often contain dangerous links.

From fake tax refunds to parcel delivery scams, this guide breaks down real examples, shows you how to spot email fraud, and gives clear steps if you've been targeted. Let’s dive in and stay ahead of cybercriminals!

• Australia Post

• ATO (Australian Taxation Office)

• MyGov

• Telstra

• Woolworths

• Medicare

These emails are crafted to trick you into clicking, sharing personal info, or even downloading malware.

📬 Most Common Types of Scam Emails

1️⃣ Fake Australia Post Delivery Notice

Subject: "We missed your delivery – action required"

• What it does: Asks you to pay a redelivery fee via link.

• Clue: The real Australia Post doesn't use email for payments or demand fees via unknown links.

2️⃣ ATO Refund or Tax Debt Email

Subject: "You’re eligible for a $480 tax refund – confirm details now"

• What it does: Asks you to log in to a fake ATO site and enter banking info.

• Clue: ATO always uses secure myGov messages, not direct links in emails.

3️⃣ MyGov Account Suspension Email

Subject: "Your MyGov account is under review – verify now"

• What it does: Sends you to a phishing website that looks like MyGov.

• Clue: Always access MyGov directly via browser — not through links.

4️⃣ Woolworths or Coles “Gift Card” Prize Scam

Subject: "You’ve won a $500 voucher – claim today!"

• What it does: Collects your data or signs you up to dodgy subscription services.

• Clue: These retailers never send gift cards without a verified promo.

🕵️‍♂️ How to Spot a Scam Email (Even the Sneaky Ones)

✅ Check the sender’s email address (e.g., support@australiapost.delivery.xyz is fake)
✅ Look for bad grammar, typos, or urgent threats like “act now!”
✅ Hover over links (don’t click!) to preview the URL
✅ Be cautious with unexpected attachments or QR codes
✅ Trust your gut — if it feels off, it probably is scam email.“Check out our guide on phishing email warning signs.”

🧠 Real-Life Example: Fake ATO Email

Subject: ATO Refund – Action Required
From: ato.refund@gov-mail.com
Message:
“Dear Citizen, we reviewed your tax and you're owed $654. Please log in to receive your refund immediately.”

➡️ [Log in to ATO now] ← Link goes to ato-gov-refund.net

⚠️ Looks official, but it’s a scam! Never enter your info from such links.

🛡️ What to Do If You Receive a Scam Email

• Do NOT click any links or download attachments

• Report the scam to ReportCyber or the Scamwatch website

• Forward phishing emails to: report@phishing.gov.au

• Delete the email from your inbox and trash

🚫 Already Clicked? Don’t Panic!

1. Disconnect from Wi-Fi

2. Run a malware scan immediately

3. Change your passwords (especially banking & MyGov)

4. Contact your bank if personal or payment info was entered

5. Report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre

Avoid mistakes that make your account easy to hack—see the top password mistakes.”

📣 Final Thoughts

Scam emails are getting more realistic, but so are the tools to fight them. Awareness is your first shield.
Teach your family — especially seniors and teens — to never trust unexpected emails, no matter how "official" they look.

At CyberShield Academy, we’re on a mission to protect Aussie inboxes—one blog post at a time 💻🛡️