Vic Police investigate online tax scam

in brief Victoria Police is probing into a web-based tax return company, Tax Returns Australia, which allegedly stole tax refunds from its customers.

Customers were told that if they provided financial information online, the company would submit a tax return on their behalf. When the Tax Office issued money for the return, the company pledged to deduct a fee and pass on the remainder.

However, Tax Returns Australia allegedly kept the money for the 2008/2009 tax year, according to the police. Further, it had allegedly received the economic stimulus payment on behalf of its customers, but never passed it on.

Detectives are seeking victims of the service and are asking those affected to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

(Front page image credit: Force Respect image by Glen Johannes, CC2.0)