COMMUNITY pharmacies are being warned to urgently check bank account details lodged with the Australian Taxation Office, to guard against a "sophisticated scamming operation" which has been highlighted by Mark Nicholson from Pitcher Partners.
Nicholson said the scam targets the ATO account held by the pharmacy, by lodging false BAS claims and then arranging for fraudulent GST refunds to be directed to bank accounts not controlled by the pharmacy.
According to Pitcher Partners the scheme currently appears to be targeting company-owned pharmacies, with pharmacies owned in a trust, partnership or sole trader structure not affected.
"The scam operates by first fraudulently appointing a new ASIC registered agent, followed by an appointment of a new director to the company," Nicholson said.
"Using these details the ATO is then advised of a change in financial institution details, into which GST refunds are deposited".
The updated bank account recorded with the ATO will have the same name and appear legitimate, but with a modified BSB and account number.
Nicholson said while the ATO is aware of the scam, its systems may not be able to block these attempts of fraud.
"Therefore we urge all pharmacy owners to review their financial institution details recorded with the ATO, irrespective of the ownership structure of their business," he said.
Those with a company structure are further recommended to contact their accountant to ensure there has been no change in registered agent, and that no directors have been appointed without their knowledge.
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