As a lot of us are currently lodging tax documents and eagerly awaiting a much needed tax return, an email from the ATO prompting us to click a link and confirm some details may just come across a little genuine.

But be aware, many fake emails are circulating at the moment asking the reader to update their credit card information so they can receive a tax refund.

Obviously, once the scammer has your credit card information your balance is going to head south very quickly.

Here is an example of what the email may contain:

This is a notice that a recent attemp to refund a payment to the credit card you have on file with Australian Taxation Office has failed.

Invoice Date: 18/07/2013

Invoice #: 3560098

Amount: $985.16 AUD

Status: Unpaid/Pending

Please log in to your Client Area at Tax Refund E-Portal to receive the refund manually. During the payment process you will be given the opportunity to update the credit card that is on record.

Note: This email will serve as an official receipt for this payment.

Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia