- Scam
- Suspicious
The phone number 02 6140 3409 has been reported as an ATO scam. This article provides insights into the nature of the scam and tips on how to safely handle calls from this number.
Overview of Phone Number 02 6140 3409
Recently, a myriad of reports have emerged concerning the phone number 02 6140 3409 / 0261403409, classifying it as a blatant scam purportedly originating from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Users have echoed similar experiences of receiving ominous voicemail messages that claim legal actions are being pursued against them due to alleged tax fraud or discrepancies.
Understanding the Scam
The calls related to 02 6140 3409 / 0261403409 feature an automated, electronic voice that often identifies itself as "Michael Smith" from the ATO or the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions. They often warn recipients of severe legal consequences should they neglect to return the call, which is a common tactic employed by scammers to instill urgency and fear. Numerous reports highlight the same deceptive message: recipients are told a lawsuit is pending against them and that they must respond immediately, underlining how meticulously these scammers target individuals.
Identifying the Characteristics of the Scam
- Unusual Calling Patterns: Scam calls like these often come from numbers that don’t follow conventional ATO formats, which typically consist of six digits beginning with 13.
- Generic Messages: The message lacks personalised details – important indicators used by legitimate organisations.
- Emphasis on Urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency, prompting individuals to react emotionally rather than rationally.
How to Manage Calls from This Number
If you encounter a call from 02 6140 3409 / 0261403409, the best precaution is to ignore it. Do not engage in conversation or return the call as it may further expose you to additional scams. Here are some recommended steps:
- Do not provide any personal information or your Tax File Number.
- If voice messages are left, do not call back. Instead, delete them.
- Report the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the ATO directly to enable authorities to take action against these frauds.
- Utilise services like Reverseau to verify who called you and gather information on a particular number.
Final Thoughts
As scams continue to evolve, staying informed and cautious is key to protecting oneself from fraudulent activities like those associated with 02 6140 3409 / 0261403409. Remember, if it seems suspicious, it probably is. If in doubt, always reach out to official channels and report any nuisance calls so that others might be spared from becoming victims.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Looks as though he's still at it.
I received a call on my answering machine yesterday and another call today at 6.50am.
I just hung up as I knew it was a scam.
Wouldn't it be great if the appropriate authorities (taxation department or police?) visited this gent and sorted him out. The Do Not Call Register is just a joke as I am receiving marketing calls almost daily.
Message left on answering machine saying my account had been frozen to recover funds owing for tax fraud and tax evasion.
Knew it was a scam - all my tax bills are paid. Not even going to waste my time phoning back.
I got a message left on my answering machine telling me to call back this number & saying I'd get arrested if I didn't. I live in Victoria & I just had my new passport delivered to me from New South Wales the day before I received the message, not sure if that has anything to do on how he got my number or not. Would be awful if this guy has access to Government Files.
Very aggressive guy, calling himself Michael Smith, gave ID etc. Very upsetting and quite frightening, it did take me a while to realise it was probably a scam. I was going to ring him back to tell him what I thought of him but decided against it. Can somebody report him to whover maybe able to stop him doing this to other people, who he might get money from.
Yes, got the same call from Michael Smith from the ATO claiming to collect fraud debt. A complete 'shitester and wanker' if every I heard one! Ignore this fake foreigner and hang up on him ASAP.
A man by the name of Michael Smith called, and it was an electronic, automated message. Telling me our business had a pending lawsuit and to call the number (02) 6140 3409 as a matter of urgency. Knowing this is not how lawsuits or the ATO work, I googled the number to discover other people have been tricked by it. Whatever that fraud is, I do not know. However, is obviously a fraud and I know others affected by it.
Just got one myself, rang the number to see if they would answer. Told him he was scum for trying to rip off innocent people and he just kept saying I love you too. He answers the call with the words: Australian Taxation Officer.
We just had the call as well. Exactly the same wording as the others have said on here. They might be after your Taxation File Number. Be careful. We have done nothing wrong so straight away knew was a scam.
Yep. Received electronic-sounding voice message on my answer phone today (19 May) stating "...representing the CDPP Commonwealth (blurred) of Public prosecutions. There is a lawsuit filed on your name by the ATO concerning a financial tax fraud case against you. So I want you call to call us back immediately on 02 61403409 (repeats number). This is an urgent legal matter which needs your attention.".
Figured it was dodgy, then checked internet which seems to confirm it. I had started to think the ATO has caught up with me for claiming that extra pen or two on my tax return. ;).
Phoned and left a message on my answering machine. Said the same as other people have said, I rang the number out of curiosity didn't say who I was, just said that somebody had tried to contact me, and was told that at 1.30pm their office was about to shut for the day and to please ring back in the morning. Then knew it was a scam.
I had an electronic-sounding voice message on my answer phone today (14 May) stating "...representing the CDPP Commonwealth (blurred) of Public prosecutions. There is a lawsuit filed on your name by the ATO concerning a financial tax fault state against you. So I want you call to call us back immediately on 02 61403409 (repeats number). This is an urgent legal matter which needs your attention." Thanks for putting out the warnings on this number! Looks like they've realised their accent sounds dodgy and are using something to mask it.
Voicemail left on my home phone today (14 May 2015). Person claimed to be from Commonwealth Department of Prosecutions saying that the ATO has a law suit pending against me, and that I must urgently call 02 6140 3409. Judging by what was said, how he said it, the precise words that he used and his accent, I guess that this is a spam call and a scammer.
This is an ATO scammer. Phoned, left a message, didn't use my name. All ATO contact numbers are 6 digits beginning with 13 (13 xx xx).
Its an ato scammer.