NSW payroll officer exploits colleagues’ identities to claim more than $180K of tax refund

A former payroll officer has been sentenced to four years’ jail for five offences relating to the fraudulent lodgement of income tax returns, falsely claiming refunds totalling $182,365. Mr Faisal Hasan Rasel lodged 29 false income tax returns under the identity of 28 people, obtaining $64,541 in fraudulent refunds.

Between late June 2015 and August 2015, Mr Rasel was in a position of trust and had access to other people’s particulars. Using this information, Mr Rasel undertook large scale fraud, lodging income tax returns in the names of 28 different people.

As a result of the false lodgements, Mr Rasel fraudulently obtained a total of $64,541, which he directed to a number of different bank accounts opened in the name of others, including in the name of a false identity assumed by Mr Rasel. Further refund payments, totalling $117,824 were stopped by the ATO.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Megan Croaker welcomed the sentence handed down today.

“This sentence demonstrates that the ATO will take firm action against those who attempt to obtain fraudulent refunds,” Ms Croaker said.

“Mr Rasel was in a trusted position, which he exploited for his own gain. This behaviour shows blatant disregard for the law and will not be tolerated.”

Ms Croaker also urged Australians to regularly check their myGov account and report any suspicious activity.

“The effects of identity crime can be devastating. We want to make sure your information is safe and your myGov account is only accessed by you.”

You can also take steps to protect your identity including setting up your myGovID with a strong identity level to protect your personal information.

If you suspect your TFN or other personal identifying information has been stolen, disclosed to or used by an unauthorised person, call the ATO’s Client Identity Support Centre on 1800 467 033.

You can also anonymously report tax evasion and crime activities to the ATO via the app or by calling 1800 060 062.

This matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

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