** ATIA COMMUNITY **

Alert: Fraudulent Use of Members' ABNs by Scam Businesses

  • 1.  Alert: Fraudulent Use of Members' ABNs by Scam Businesses

    Posted 06-02-2024 14:32

    Dear Members,Over the past few weeks, several of our members have reported instances where their Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) have been exploited by fraudulent businesses operating in the travel sector.These entities have been creating deceptive travel websites featuring our members' ABNs.   Consumers are then booking travel services through these websites, only to find themselves out of pocket and without any travel arrangements.   Subsequently, these customers then turn to our members for refunds and resolution, resulting in undue stress and reputational damage for our members.

    As you can appreciate this is extremely stressful for our affected members and they are receiving daily phone calls from very distressed consumers demanding refunds.

    We are interested in knowing if any of you have encountered similar situations?   If so, what steps have you taken to address and resolve these issues?

    While we have already advised affected members to escalate the matter to the ATO Business Register & ID Support Team, Scam Watch, and the police,  we are interested in understanding if there are other avenues for resolution we could be offering our affected members.

    Please feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, and any pertinent information that could assist us our affected members.

    Thank you for your cooperation and vigilance.



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    Gina Dounis
    ATIA
    Compliance & Membership Supervisor
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