- Scam
- Suspicious
Beware of 02 6100 3636, a number linked to a tax refund scam. Learn how to handle calls from this number and protect yourself from fraud.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6100 3636
The phone number 02 6100 3636 / 0261003636 has been reported by numerous Australians as a major scam number. Callers often impersonate tax office representatives, claiming to offer substantial refunds of thousands of dollars. These calls typically feature an individual using the name "Brad Harvey" or similar variations, suggesting that victims can collect these supposed refunds at a local post office or even in Canberra.
How the Scam Works
Victims have reported various versions of the same deceit: they are informed they are entitled to funds due to changes in tax calculations, or because they have paid their taxes promptly over the years. The caller will usually urge potential victims to visit a post office where they will encounter instructions to fill out Western Union forms and pay a transfer fee - often cited as a small amount to access "their" money. Once payment is made, the scammers quickly disappear, leaving victims both financially and emotionally distressed.
Recognising the Signs
There are several red flags to be aware of:
- Pressure Tactics: The caller insists on urgency, pressuring you to act quickly, often saying your claim will be cancelled if you don't comply.
- Questionable Identity: They use common first names and claim to be from government agencies that don't exist or have altered names, as seen in various reports.
- Financial Requests: Genuine government departments do not request payment for refunds or rebates.
- Caller ID: Be cautious of numbers that appear legitimate but are actually fakes or spoofed.
Steps to Take if You Receive a Call
If you receive a call from this number, it’s crucial to follow these recommendations:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid providing any personal information or financial details to the caller.
- Hang Up: It’s best to terminate the call immediately if you feel suspicious.
- Report the Scam: Notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or local authorities to help combat these fraudsters.
- Stay Informed: Use platforms like Reverseau or Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to research numbers and find out if others have reported similar experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 02 6100 3636 / 0261003636 is linked to a well-known tax fraud scheme aiming to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly. By being aware of how these scams operate and taking precautionary steps, Australians can better protect themselves from falling victim to deceitful callers. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Received similar call to the others, claiming to be calling from the "Australian Government Grants Commission" (a body that doesn't exist - closest being the "Commonwealth Grants Commission") and was given this number (02) 6100 3636 as the call return number. The CGC has a similar directory number, so if you're intent on pursuing an identity check, you can either look up the switchboard yourself (recommended) or try dialling it on (02) 6229 8800 (I'd say trust me, but we're obviously of like suspicious minds) :).
Got a call from Steve Parker, same number, from gov dept, been good with gas and electricity payment, $7695 rebate, go to post office tomorrow and they'll explain the procedure. Indian accent. Unreal. Someone should locate them and give them a good old flogging!!
Got a call from em about $7600 I knew it was a scam told me to go to post office grab a western union slip I waited till I got thr address for thr so call 398 security deposit then I said im recording this call brendan apparently went all quiet n hung up so im havin fun prank callin them back.
Massive scam!
I got 2 phone calls, both were about a tax reimbursement for $7800 when I politely asked for identification and to explain the how's and why's, he got irate and laughed at me. So I politely told him to get f*ked then he hung up. Then he called me 30 seconds later to threaten to beat me. Is this guy brain damaged or what?
I had the same caller call last week say the same thing that I have 7800 to collect from the post office because I had paid tax for a long time and the government is.
Reimbursing some of my money back, and I was instructed to go to the post office and get a western union form and fill it up send $298 for helping asian children and than I will get that money and I ask him if was really from the tax office, because I had some money reimburse to me and it was on a check under my name and I had to deposit it in my bank acct, and I didn't have to pay for it he was angry and said do I want the money or it will be cancelled and I told him to cancel it.
Indian accent name Aussie name Brad Harvey unbelievable.
Pretty much the same call as this:
I called back hiding my no: first man Indian accent when the call was eventually answered it was English accent. I did not speak. I have called and reported the scam to ATO who agree it's a scam and they will look into it. He called several times so am wondering if they could hack my phone?? Very bad line crackling all the time and after 3 calls it was clear. I don't use my phone for banking so they can't hack that but people be careful it's not just one person.
I had this call from Brad Harvey, offering me 7600 because Turnbull had changed some calculation to the tax.
He said they would post me some letter to read??? I did not give my address or anything else??
PEOPLE BEWARE!!!! Received 3 calls from Brad Harvey.. Said he was from ATO, and same conversation as other people below.. Collect $7.600 from ACT ATO etc.
Played the game knowing this was a scam to see how far they would take it... Went to the Post Office as requested and then called Brad back as requested... Then he said pick up Western Union form and come back outside, and I will tell you how to fill it out. At that point I told him he was a scammer. He got angry and said the money from the taxation department was cancelled and hung up.
When I got home I called that number and told him exactly what I thought of him, which cannot be written here. Just now I got another call from Michael saying I hadn't gone to the Post Office, and I told him I had as was instructed by Brad.... Then I told him what I thought of him too!!!
I think the ATO needs to know what is going on.
Same thing happened to my dad today. But they asked for his licence number and DOB. He gave it to them. He went to the post office and freaked out and said he wasn't interested. They guy got angry and put someone else on. Should we be concerned they have his information? Any help would be appreciated.
That's exctly what happened with me all of the above the number was 0261003636. They mentioned about western union account at the post office and to put some money into that account, andkeep going on and on, they don't take no for an answer, they gave me their employer number and what a waste of time. For me I am over all that they don't stand a chance with me, next step is a nice call to report it to the police if they ring once more. They play with the fire I think but they will will be in it.
My husband got same sort of call today from Greg Harvey. He said he was from the Grants Dept ACT & because our business pay our tax & bills on time that we've been given a business grant of$4900.00. Just go to Aus Post with the application number he gave us & he'll post us a cheque. He didn''t ask for any money or bank details. Indian accent, Aussie name!!
I received the same phone call today. He knew my name but didn't clarify any other details about me during the phone call.
He told me that the ATO Canberra head office is calling to let me know that I was owed $7600 because I had been paying my tax and doing my tax return on time for an excess of 5 years. He told me to write down his name, Brad Harvey, where he was calling from, ATO Canberra, phone number.02 6100 3636 and the amount I was receiving, $7600.
He then proceeded to tell me that the state ATO offices couldn't give me the money and that I had two options of how I could collect this. Option 1 was to go to Canberra head office with my ID and documentation, then put me on hold, came back and said Option 2 you could go to the post office. He said to me what time can you get to the post office, I said I couldn't today as I was at work and then he said ok when you can get to one call me back on this number and then hung up on me.
I had exactly the same call from Brad Harvey, offering me 7600 because Turnbull had changed some calculation to the tax.
I didn't get to the stage of how to collect it but he tried to verify my details. He had my address correct, but my age and income were very wrong. At that point I hung up.
Very dodge and I feel violated that he knows my address!!
I just received the same call - Brad Harvey, Canberra Tax Office. He said I was due to get a refund of over $7000 and needed to go to the post office to pick it up. He asked me if I could go to the post office instantly, and when I said I could go later in the afternoon he said I was no longer going to get the refund, I then said 'sorry this is a bad line' asked him to repeat his last sentence and he hung up.
Definitely a scam... People be careful.
Yeah, I also got the call from shitty man saying same shit of 7000.. Collect from Canberra or go to nearest post office....
Just got a call from so called brad hearvy with a accent trying to get me to fall into the so called tax refund scam, if there was a refund comming from tax the goverment would already have organised it to be done and tax would not give you cash in hand.
SCAM:person identified as Brad Harvey and gave 02610036336 extension 078.
Says has a $7000 refund suggesting you can come to Canberra to collect. Just go to post office.
Requested tax forms then a western union.
They suggested transfer $3000 when told too much they said no $300 and a $20 fee you get the $300 back.
Preying on old and disabled.DISGUSTING.