- Scam
Beware of calls from 02 6140 3413. This number has been reported as a scam linked to fraudulent claims about tax debts to the ATO. Learn how to handle such calls and protect yourself.
Identifying the Scam Behind 02 6140 3413
The phone number 02 6140 3413 / 0261403413 has garnered considerable attention due to alarming user reports that classify it as a scam. Callers from this number have been posing as representatives of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), attempting to deceive individuals into believing they owe taxes and threatening legal action.
Scam Overview
Users have shared distressing experiences with this number, reporting calls where the scammers claim they are from the ATO and warn victims about pending arrests due to tax fraud. Some users were contacted by someone identifying themselves as "Kevin Wilson" or "Ron Watson," representing the supposed "Legal Department" of the ATO, which raised immediate red flags regarding the legitimacy of the calls.
Why This Is a Scam
- The ATO has confirmed on multiple occasions that they do not make such intimidating phone calls or use automated messages to address tax issues.
- Typical ATO procedures involve sending written correspondence before any legal actions are taken, not abrupt phone calls demanding immediate action.
- Many reports noted Indian accents and automated voices, which further indicate the calls originated from a scam operation rather than legitimate ATO communication.
- Victims reported that the threats included seizure of assets, passports, and even police action, which is a classic tactic used by scammers to elicit panic and urgency.
How to Handle Calls from This Number
If you receive a call from 02 6140 3413:
- Do not engage: Hang up immediately if you suspect it's a scam.
- Do not provide personal information: Never share financial or personal details over the phone with unknown callers.
- Report the number: Notify the ATO and your local authorities to help combat these scams.
- Inform others: Share your experiences with friends and family to prevent them from falling victim to similar scams.
Conclusion
02 6140 3413 / 0261403413 serves as a stark reminder of the rising tide of telephone scams targeting unsuspecting Australians. We must stay vigilant and aware that legitimate organisations, especially the ATO, will rarely employ scare tactics to enforce compliance. Remember to use resources like Reverseau for a reliable reverse phone lookup when uncertain about the legitimacy of an unknown call.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6140 3413!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
I had a phone call around 10am accusing me of hacking a wifi (not even in the state). Refering to tracking my ip, search history etc the threatened to involve the police. What good would that do, if they rang me up prior to reporting? There were about 5 statements used repeatedly with the same intonation (australian) which seemed weird. Besides the fact I have never hacked, I got the impression it was hoping for me to say key words and didn't really sound conversational. I listened to it for a time then hung up.
Have had 4 calls in 2 days saying before case goes to federal court call this number and possibly will be arrested luckily although I am older was not frightened as I am quite aware but some people may not be so do be careful out there same they cannot catch some of these people.
I have, so far, received 3 automated voice calls from someone claiming to be from the Ato re. Tax Fraud. The voice stated he was Ron Motson or Watson. These calls came within about an hour. Clearly this is not a legal call.... I wil no doubt receive more.
I have had 2 phone calls in 2 days but I have been at work and not answered the call but again it seems to be an automated voice asking me to call 0261403413 because a tax fraud case against myself.
I have got a phone call from this number 30 minutes ago. They told me that the police will pick me up because of tax fraud unless I do something immediately. I didn't understand exactly what they wanted from me so I asked them for the phone number to call them back as I had the feeling it is a scam. It sounded like an Indian speaking person. It was quite frightening.
Got another call from this number today. It is a local ACT number so I reported it to the ATO. They are aware of the scam. ATO assured me they would not phone in this manner and if there was an issue with tax they have strict procedures to follow and usually send a letter first with contact details.
Came home to find a message on my phone. The voice was a computer automated one saying they were Ron Watson from the Legal Department of the Australian Taxation Office in Sydney. The message then went on to say that they had received a legal petition notice concerning a tax fraud against my name, so before the matter goes to the federal claims courthouse or before I'm arrested I had to call them back as soon as possible on 02 6140 3414.
I know this is a scam as the ATO don't make these sort of calls, plus that is an ACT number not a Sydney number, and I've never heard of the federal claims courthouse before.
I've made a recording of the scam message...
I just received a phone call from this number claiming to be Kevin Wilson from the Taxation Office and they were going to arrest me at 12pm for fraud against the ATO. They had my name and mobile number. Dodgy B@st@rds!
Received message asking to phone the ATO at this number. Turned out to be a scam where they tell you an amount is owed to the tax office and must be paid immediately otherwise assets will be frozen, passport will be siezed ...
Report this number to the ATO scam alert department.