ATO, AHPRA tap AI to combat practitioner-led super scams

Binaya Dahal

Journalist

15 April 2026

Australia’s tax and health regulators have launched a joint crackdown on a growing scheme in which dentists, doctors and third-party facilitators pressure patients to withdraw their superannuation early to fund overpriced or clinically unwarranted procedures.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) on Tuesday announced that the health regulator is now deploying artificial intelligence tools to scan practitioners advertising for predatory conduct.

AHPRA chief executive Justin Untersteiner said the system has already identifed some wrongdoings and urged the public to report if they have any concerns.

‘Every notification we receive is taken seriously and carefully assessed, and we look into every concern to determine what action, if any, is required to protect public safety,” he said.

“Patients need to be able to trust that their practitioner is recommending treatments based on clinical need, not the prospect of financial gain.”

Regulators said the scheme often begins with social media advertisements promoting early access to superannuation for dental work, directing patients to telehealth consultations and selected second-opinion providers.

Some practitioners exploit a loophole by creating clinical justifications, referring patients to compliant report writers and securing upfront payments before patients understand the impact on their retirement savings.

In some cases, third parties ask patients to provide myGov login details to submit applications on their behalf, a practice the tax office warned poses a serious identity security risk.

ATO deputy commissioner Ben Kelly said this type of activity is a clear warning sign that practitioners or third parties might be willing to exploit an individual’s circumstances and encourage them to take risks with their super.

“You should be extremely wary of any facilitator or practitioner who asks for your myGov sign-in so they can “apply for you”. You should never share your myGov details with anyone,” Kelly said.

Regulators have so far referred two doctors to tribunals for allegedly providing false documentation to the ATO, issued a formal caution to a third doctor, and imposed conditions on a dentist’s registration.

Furthermore, the Dental and Medical Boards of Australia have issued updated guidance stating that recommending expensive treatments where cheaper options exist or concealing ongoing costs may constitute misconduct.

The tax office is also conducting compliance reviews of agents and individuals linked to suspicious applications and has urged the public to report misconduct and seek independent clinical advice before proceeding.