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How safe is your business from scams

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Updated 27 Aug 2025

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From fake invoices and scam calls to fraudulent social media ads and texts, scammers are targeting Victorian businesses in ever-evolving ways.

Victorians have lost $4.1 million to false billing scams alone in 2025, proving that dodging fraud can be a full-time job.

Top 3 scams costing Victorian businesses this year

Scammers are out to steal your money and they continue to come up with novel ways of doing so. The National Anti-Scam Centre has identified the 3 scams hitting Victorian businesses hardest this year. You might be surprised by what they are.

1. False billing scams

False billing scams have cost Victorian businesses $3.9 million in the first 6 months of 2025. These scams typically involve:

  • impersonation scams – scammers mimic businesses by using similar names, emails, domains and logos to send fake invoices that appear legitimate
  • payment redirection scams – a business system is compromised by the scammer, allowing the scammer to change banking details on legitimate payment requests. Because the emails are sent out from the real business email account, it is extremely difficult for customers to spot this scam.

Industries that typically handle large value payments (real estate, legal and conveyancing, building and construction, and automotive) are at greater risk of these types of scams.

3 tips on how to protect your business and customers from false billing scams

  • Include scam awareness messaging to your customers.
  • Provide your customers with secure, authorised and encrypted payment platforms where available rather than email requests for payment.
  • Train your staff to always check that goods have been ordered and authorised before paying an invoice and independently contact the organisation to confirm if there has been a change in payment details.

2. Business impersonation

More Victorian businesses are reporting that they are being impersonated. Financial losses related to these impersonations are on the rise.

Scammers impersonate a business and its brand by:

  • creating clone websites and fake social media profiles
  • spoofing* phone numbers, SMS user IDs and email addresses
    • *spoofing is when scammers use technology to disguise their phone number, SMS user ID, and email address to make it look like they are contacting you from a trusted organisation
  • referencing a legitimate ABN or industry licence.

Businesses impersonated by scammers in this way may suffer brand damage and reputational harm through loss of consumer trust and confidence.

3 tips on how to protect your business from identity theft and impersonation scams

  • Regularly search online and on social media for your brand name to spot impersonation quickly.
  • Report fake accounts or websites to the platform or website host to have them removed.
  • If you find a scam, help others by going to Report a scam.

3. Shopping scams

When shopping online for your business (or yourself), if it looks too good to be true it probably is.

4 tips on how to protect your business from shopping scams

  • Wherever possible, inspect goods before making any payment.
  • Read independent reviews when using a new supplier.
  • Use your browser to search for websites rather than accessing sites via links in text, email or social media.
  • Pay for items using secure payment methods like PayPal and credit cards.

How to protect your business from scams

Keep your business and customers safe with three simple steps: Stop. Check. Protect.

Stop. Always take a moment before giving money or personal information to anyone.

Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal or business details.

What to do:

  • Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages.
  • Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests.
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action.
  • Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.

Check. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real.

Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

  • Contact the organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app.
  • Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources Iike ASIC.
  • Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals.

Protect. Act quickly if something feels wrong.

The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and your customers from scammers.

What to do:

  • Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details.
  • Contact IDCARE if you’ve shared personal information – they can help you create a plan to limit damage.
  • Help others by going to Report a scam.
  • Report to police at Cyber.gov.au.
  • Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised.
  • Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
  • Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening.
  • Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Understand cybercrime, how to protect your business and report an attack or cybercrime with Manage cybersecurity in your business.

 

 

 

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Tax and BAS returns

Taxation

The implementation of effective tax strategies is an integral part of the financial planning process. Structuring the way in which you receive your salary, superannuation contributions, investments, risk and debt management can significantly minimise your tax implications and are an essential component of your wealth creation and retirement strategy.
At Clear Picture, we want you to accomplish your financial objectives in the most tax-efficient manner as other aspects of your financial plan become easier to implement when your tax liability is minimised.
Our strategies are tested, proven and successful. We offer a broad range of taxation advisory services including:
  • Income Tax
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
  • Superannuation & Transition To Retirement
  • Salary Packaging and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
  • Land Tax and Stamp Duty
  • There are numerous tax effective financial planning strategies that may be appropriate for your circumstances and enhance your tax, retirement and wealth objectives. Contact our team to discuss the possibilities.

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BAS

Lodging your BAS correctly and on time can be a difficult and confusing process. You can avoid risk and stress simply by being confident that your ATO tax liabilities and obligations are sorted and your BAS lodgement is correct every time.
It’s not surprising that peace of mind for many business owners comes with appointing an experienced agent to look after their BAS services for them.
Our friendly, service orientated team offer a range of BAS services and lodgement options to suit all small business owners so you have more time to do what you do best – running your business and earning money.
Services include:
  • Preparation of Business Activity Statements from business data
  • Electronic Lodgement of Business Activity Statements
  • Personalised advice on BAS provisions (including GST, PAYG, Withholdings and Instalments, Fringe Benefits Tax, Fuel Tax Credits and more)
  • Preparation of Instalment Activity Statements and Employee Payment Summaries
  • Management of financial data files and preparation of reports for business tax returns
  • Handle payroll and superannuation obligations including Reportable Employer Super Contributions
Contact Us

Accounting

Straight forward and stress-free accounting services are what businesses of all sizes need form their accountants and we believe we provide exactly that. By providing cutting edge accounting and taxation services, and using the right products for your record keeping, our team at XX will work closely with you to ensur we understand your needs. Only in this way can we help you achieve your goals, help you manage your cash flow and help you meet your tax obligations.
While fiscal compliance is of the upmost importance, we also believe in offering professional management advice and support at all times. We are committed to offering the highest level of friendly and professional service and welcome the opportunity to work with you.
The areas we specialise in are as follows:
  • Accounting & Tax Consultancy Services
    Straight forward and stress-free accounting services are what businesses of all sizes need form their accountants and we believe we provide exactly that. By providing cutting edge accounting and taxation services, and using the right products for your record keeping, our team at XX will work closely with you to ensur we understand your needs. Only in this way can we help you achieve your goals, help you manage your cash flow and help you meet your tax obligations.
    While fiscal compliance is of the upmost importance, we also believe in offering professional management advice and support at all times. We are committed to offering the highest level of friendly and professional service and welcome the opportunity to work with you.
    The areas we specialise in are as follows:
  • Accounting & Tax Consultancy Services
  • Personal & Business Tax Returns
  • Annual Reporting
  • Business and Tax Advisory
  • Business ‘start up’ advice
  • Prepare Business plans and financial budgets and review these regularly
  • Measure your performance against industry benchmarks
  • Trust & company structures
  • ATO correspondence Management
  • Taxation – GST & PAYE advice, BAS preparation
  • Liaise with the ATO on your behalf
  • Self-Managed Super auditing
  • Accounting software advice and assistance
  • Personal & Business Tax Returns
  • Annual Reporting
  • Business and Tax Advisory
  • Business ‘start up’ advice
  • Prepare Business plans and financial budgets and review these regularly
  • Measure your performance against industry benchmarks
  • Trust & company structures
  • ATO correspondence Management
  • Taxation – GST & PAYE advice, BAS preparation
  • Liaise with the ATO on your behalf
  • Self-Managed Super auditing
  • Accounting software advice and assistance

Bookkeeping and Payroll

Bookkeeping

Clear Picture can take over all, or some of your bookkeeping activities allowing you to concentrate on growing your business.
We can:
  • Design, establish and review accounting systems and software
  • Perform checks, reconciliations and end of financial year reports
  • Manage your accounts receivable and accounts payable
  • Ensure your business is up to speed with legislative requirements and management reports
  • Undertake payroll duties and compliance
  • Prepare and lodge BAS statements
  • GST & PAYE advice
  • BAS Lodgement
  • GST Reconciliation
  • PAYG Withholding & Superannuation reports
  • Completing expense reports
  • Direct to bank account transactions
  • Organising your documents and records
  • Data / ledger entry
  • Paying bills
  • Completing expense reports
  • Direct to bank account transactions
  • Provide general business administrative support

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Payroll

We can assist you with all facets of payroll and reportable contractor payments. Our professional team are fully versed in all legislative requirements and the processes required in managing this crucial part of your business.
The primary objective of payroll processing is to ensure that employees receive all the financial entitlements they are owed in a timely manner.
Poor payroll processing can be very detrimental to a business as it can significantly impact net income and lead to disgruntled staff. With an abundance of legislation, payment methods and withholdings, payroll management can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
Payroll processing services include:
  • General Payroll – ensure your staff are paid the correct rates and paid according to the correct hours worked.
  • Payslips – Our team can prepare your staffs payslips on your behalf and email them directly to you or your staff along with
  • PAYG Withholdings – Any business that has employees or pays employees of another business must withhold an amount from payments made to them. Any payments made to a business that doesn’t quote an ABN on an invoice or other documentation must also have an amount withheld from payments.
  • Taxable payments reporting – Businesses in the building and construction industry need to report the total payments they make to each contractor for building and construction services each year. These payments need to be reported to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on the Taxable Payments Annual Report, or electronically.
  • Entitlements – calculation of leave including holiday, personal, long service and rostered days off.
  • Payroll Tax, Workers Compensation Insurance, Employment Forms – some or all of these may be needed for your business.
  • Efficient and Electronic systems – these should simplify all processing and provide greater security for you and your staff.
  • Superannuation should be calculated and paid – this is a compulsory whereby employers are required to pay a percentage on top of “ordinary time’s earnings” to a nominated superannuation fund. These contributions need to be made at least once every three months and penalties for late payment are very severe.
  • End of Payroll Year Processing – Reconciling, Generation and Lodgement of employment group certificate’s and payment summaries, taxable payment summaries, reportable fringe benefits and lump sum amounts

Business start ups

There are four main business structures commonly used by businesses in Australia and we can help with them all:
Sole trader: an individual operating as the sole person legally responsible for all aspects of the business.
Partnership: an association of people or entities running a business together, but not as a company. A partnership is relatively inexpensive to set up and operate.
Company: a legal entity that is separate from its shareholders.
Trust: an entity that holds property or income for the benefit of others. Trusts require a formal trust deed that outlines how the trust operates, requires the trustee to undertake formal yearly administrative tasks and if you operate your business as a trust, the trustee is legally responsible for its operations. A trustee of a trust can be a company, providing some asset protection.
It is important to note that you can change your business structure throughout the life of your business.
Before commencing a new business, the following are some of the key items that need to be considered:
  • Decide on the most suitable structure for your business – sole trader, partnership, trust or company
  • Prepare a business plan, cashflow projections, budgets, and trading forecasts
  • Assess your finance requirements, advise on the best sources of finance, and draw up the necessary proposals
  • Establish a good working relationship with your bank
  • Register for a Tax File Number and an Australian Business Number with the ATO
  • Complete registration procedures with Australian Securities and Investments Commission
  • Deal with company secretarial issues
  • Set up a recording system for your internal use and for complying with statutory requirements

Each new business is different and needs to be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and our experience can ensure you are maximising your opportunities.

Consulting

Tax & Accounting Consultancy Services

Management Accounting includes the preparation of management reports and accounts that provide accurate and timely financial and statistical information. Information required by managers to make day-to-day and short-term decisions more efficiently and effectively to achieve desired outcomes such as increasing profit or delivering improved services.
Unlike financial accounting, which produces tax returns and annual reports, management accounting generates monthly or weekly reports for an organization's management and decision makers. These reports typically show items such as available cash, sales revenue, orders in hand, accounts payable and accounts receivable, and outstanding debts. An important aspect of Management accounting is determining what information management needs and communicating this effectively.
Clear Picture can assist with all aspects of management reporting including:
  • Strategic advice to managers about the financial implications of projects
  • KPI reporting
  • Explaining the financial consequences of business decisions
  • Formulating business budgets and business plans and strategies
  • Monitoring spending, financial control and Cashflow projection
  • Conducting internal business audits
  • Monthly/quarterly management reports
  • Product costing reviews.

Tax advice, tax planning and structuring advice

Tax Planning

Tax time is coming up. Are you prepared?
When the time comes to deal with your own taxation and accounts, it can be stressful and hassling. Though through good preparation and planning, you can make tax time work for you and potentially reduce the impact of tax, while keeping up to date.
Clear Picture are specialists at accounting and taxation. Based in XXX, we aim to provide our clients with comprehensive tax planning advice and strategies, all at competitive prices.
We provide assistance for:
  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Artists
  • Trusts
  • Businesses and
  • Organisations (non-profit and commercial)

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Tax Planning

Tax time is coming up. Are you prepared?
When the time comes to deal with your own taxation and accounts, it can be stressful and hassling. Though through good preparation and planning, you can make tax time work for you and potentially reduce the impact of tax, while keeping up to date.
Clear Picture are specialists at accounting and taxation. Based in XXX, we aim to provide our clients with comprehensive tax planning advice and strategies, all at competitive prices.
We provide assistance for:
  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Artists
  • Trusts
  • Businesses and
  • Organisations (non-profit and commercial)

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Structure

A client needs to put in place the right strategies and structures, to create wealth and then review these strategies and structures on a regular basis. That is because your circumstances and goals will change and so will the economy and the legislation relating to how your affairs are structured.
There are many paths that may be more appropriate than others such as:
  • Selecting the best tax structure;
  • Using gearing;
  • Reducing debt;
  • Using Shares, managed funds or other types of assets. Indeed it may be a combination of many to properly meet your needs.

Rental properties

Like any form of business, property ownership can be less than hoped for. However, rental income, gearing, purchase, borrowings, management, appropriate structures, and advice are how XX help clients who rent commercial and residential properties.
Our aim is to ensure such investments generate the appropriate returns.
We assist in a variety of ways:
  • Advice on funding
  • Advice with purchasing
  • Cash flow analysis of property investment
  • Guidance in tax related areas including negative gearing and capital gains tax
  • Advice on ownership structures
  • Preparation of initial land tax returns and land tax variation returns

Trusts

Trust Advice

A trust provides a valuable way of protecting the assets you have accumulated for the benefit of yourself and others. A trust can also be an effective structure for running your business.
We have extensive experience with trusts and are able to offer specialist advice on establishment and compliance, ensuring that all statutory requirements are met.
Clear Picture are also able to organise for the preparation and execution of documentation involved in Trust formation.
Our Trust administration service includes:
  • Minute keeping service
  • Annual accounts
  • Taxation
  • Maintenance of CGT register
  • Income distribution
We know the issues and requirements involved with managing Trusts and can help ensure these tasks are undertaken properly.

NZ Clients and temporary residency

NZ Clients and temporary residency

Clear Picture help New Zealand individuals and businesses — including temporary residents and recent arrivals — manage tax, compliance and financial planning so you can focus on settling in and growing your activities.

Services for NZ clients & temporary residents

  • Tax residency assessment and advice (determine NZ tax residency and obligations)
  • Income tax planning for residents and part-year taxfilers
  • PAYE, GST and IRD registration and compliance
  • Withholding taxes, foreign income disclosure and double tax relief guidance
  • Property tax, rental income and bright-line rule support
  • KiwiSaver advice, provisional tax and payroll setup for employers
  • Cross-border structuring and tax-efficient repatriation of funds
  • End-of-year tax returns, tax credits, and liaison with Inland Revenue

Get in touch for a tailored consultation to clarify your NZ tax position and compliance obligations.

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Secure File Transfer is a facility that allows the safe and secure exchange of confidential files or documents between you and us.

Email is very convenient in our business world, there is no doubting that. However email messages and attachments can be intercepted by third parties, putting your privacy and identity at risk if used to send confidential files or documents. Secure File Transfer eliminates this risk.

Login to Secure File Transfer, or contact us if you require a username and password.

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All care is taken in the preparation of the information and published on this website. Clear Picture Tax & Accounting does not make any representations or give any warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose.

To the extent permissible by law, Clear Picture Tax & Accounting will not be liable for any expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damages) or costs which might be incurred as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.

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Privacy Policy

Clear Picture Tax & Accounting is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.

We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.

A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at https://www.oaic.gov.au/.

What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?

Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect includes names, addresses, email addresses, phone and facsimile numbers.

This Personal Information is obtained in many ways including correspondence, by telephone and facsimile, by email, via our website, from your website, from media and publications, from other publicly available sources, from cookies and from third parties. We don't guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties.

We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing our services to you, providing information to our clients and marketing. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. You may unsubscribe from our mailing/marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing.

When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.

Sensitive information will be used by us only:

Third Parties

Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:

Security of Personal Information

Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure.

When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in client files which will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years.

Access to your Personal Information

You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing.

Clear Picture Tax & Accounting will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information.

In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.

Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information

It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.

Policy Updates

This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.

Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy please contact us at:

admin@clearpictureaccounting.com.au

1300 438 008