- Suspicious
- Scam
- Uncertain
The phone number 02 6140 3442 has been reported as a scam, with users receiving threatening messages claiming tax evasion. Learn how to identify and handle calls from this number to protect yourself.
Understanding the Scam at 02 6140 3442
The phone number 02 6140 3442 / 0261403442 has become notorious among Australian consumers for its association with a fraudulent tax evasion scheme. Numerous reports from users detail a troubling pattern of intimidating voicemails claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), which assert that the recipient is facing severe legal repercussions.
Classifying the Calls
Based on user feedback gathered since 2015, this number falls firmly within the category of scam calls. The overwhelming consensus is that the callers pose as ATO officials, like a supposed 'Kevin Shaw' or other fictitious names, and threaten potential victims with arrest or severe penalties for purported tax evasion. Users reported experiencing malicious tactics including:
- Intimidatory messages: Many messages mention "criminal cases" and demand immediate contact, which is a hallmark of scam techniques.
- Foreign accents: Callers are noted to have accents that could be disguising their true identity, further hinting at the disingenuous nature of their claims.
- Absurd demands: Reports include ridiculous claims of the immediate need to pay fines or call back to resolve urgency, typical patterns of scams designed to invoke fear.
Specifics of the Scam
This particular scam often involves threats related to tax fraud and evasion, which are serious allegations that would typically not be addressed via a short phone call. A genuine ATO notification would follow due processes, including official letters and a verification protocol, which is immensely absent in these reports. Victims have noted strange phrasing and aggressive language, which only adds to the suspicion surrounding the legitimacy of these calls.
How to Protect Yourself
To safeguard against falling victim to such scams, consider the following guidelines:
- Do not call back: If you receive a call or message from this number, refrain from contacting them. No legitimate institution would demand urgent action without prior formal communication.
- Report the number: Informing local authorities about the scam can assist in tracking and preventing further incidents.
- Stay informed: Understanding common scams can arm you with the knowledge needed to discern legitimate calls from fraudulent ones.
Conclusion
In summary, 02 6140 3442 / 0261403442 has been definitively classified as a scam number, associated with aggressive telemarketers purporting to represent the ATO. Remember that no government agency operates in the manner described by these callers. For additional security, utilise services like Reverseau to verify unknown numbers and protect your personal information.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Message left on my answering machine that claimed I had been reported for tax evasion and tax fraud. I didn't ring the number back.
I received call supposedly from a Daniel Smith of the ATO [strong Indian accent!].Threatened imminent arrest over tax fraud if I didn't pay min $4500 of a $9000 debt within two hours. And what do you know, the number he gave me to ring back on to pay was 02 61 403 442. Naturally I gave him no info or money, but be warned his script sounded quite authentic until the demand for money.
Same as others intimidating, I am reporting this today.
Has anyone reported this to the ATO?
I have just received a threatening phone call from Kevin Shaw. He has registered a criminal case against me for fraud and tax evasion and says it is extremely serious. Very disturbing. I tried to call the number back but it is always engaged. Aggressive and threatening manner asking me or my "attorney" to call back. Finished with " have a blessed day" or "great day" as his accent is hard to understand. Fake American from the ITO not ATO. Do not respond.
Today we received the same 'tax fraud' message that others have reported. I don't think so.
A call on the Landline, asking for my Wife by name. I told them to ring back later ????
Its the third time I've been a left a message on my message bank threatening me of tax evasion (Someone tried mimicking American accent :)), and asking me call 0261403442 immediately. Nice try scammer !!
Ignore the call. This sounds like a scam.
Got a threatening call asking me to ring 02 6140 3442 for tax evasion.
This is obviously a scam because my taxes are up-to-date and properly audited.
I got the same one and I called it knowing it must be a scam. Why I thought it was a scam is they did not know my name and he gave two numbers when he repeat the number. The man said to me "you think you are smart? I am sending someone to get you." He did not even know who I was because I used a different phone when calling back.
Intimidatory phone message about a case of tax fraud against me... This goes way too far... Demanding we call back 02 6140 3442 or face prosecution.
I have also just got the same message (which I let go to the answering machine).I don't recognise the accent, but I thought he said he was calling from the ICO, which could possibly be a Kiwi, trying to disguise his voice, called Kevin what sounded like Quong. I think he is a learner SCAMMER, giving his name and phone number (which is nothing like the ATO's phone number.
Had 3 calls this week threatening me of prosecution for tax fraud!!
Spam call message today saying I'd committed tax fraud and should call this number ASAP. Laughed & deleted message.
Got the same scam message left on the answering machine today in Melbourne...... Sounds like an Irish accent, dumb as doogy doo! Notified the ATO to give them something useful to do...lol.
Message left from the Australian Tax Office about pending legal action. Told to call this number as soon as possible. Scam!!
Same message left on my machine !!!!!
Same. Supposed tax office prosecution. Dumb-as-a-box-of-rocks scammer who had a lot of trouble pronouncing A-TO (kept saying I-TO) and said we must ring before our "criminal case is downloaded to the Court". Ah somehow I don't think court cases "get downloaded". And also if the ATO were prosecuting me, and we were at the court proceedings stage, there would have been copious amounts of paperwork beforehand. Like I said, dumb as. (They always are).
They also tried scamming me today after I had a successful Kickstarter end. BEWARE!!
[link] Some have been taken for tens of thousands...
Claims to be Kevin Shaw from ATO - launching a criminal case against you regarding tax evasion and fraud - Belgium accent?
Same as above - vioce mail left re ATO fraud!!!
Just got the same message on our answering machine accusing us of tax evasion and fraud. The voice had a very strange accent and just didn't sound legitimate.
Its a scam they hang you if you answer and only leave a message on you answering machine.
Ato not.