- Scam
- Suspicious
- Spam
Beware of 02 6140 3480, a phone number linked to a scam impersonating ATO officials. This article offers insights into how to identify such scams and protect yourself from potential threats.
Understanding the Nature of 02 6140 3480
The phone number 02 6140 3480 / 0261403480 has been reported extensively by concerned users, all pointing to a disturbing trend of scams where the caller alleges to be representing the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The perpetrator often uses various names, most frequently identified as "John Matthews," claiming urgent legal action or outstanding tax obligations.
Analyzing User Reports
From the patterns observed in user reviews, this number is consistently associated with alarming claims, often straightforwardly instructing individuals to either return the call or have their attorney do so to avoid severe consequences, including arrest. Consequently, it is classified as a scam, specifically a type of phone scam where impersonation of government officials is employed to instill fear and seek sensitive information or payment.
Common Characteristics of the Scam
- Impersonation: Callers falsely introduce themselves as ATO officers and even reference related governmental bodies like the CDPP (Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions).
- Urgency and Threats: The callers create a sense of urgency and falsify consequences for non-compliance, attempting to manipulate victims into responding quickly without verifying information.
- Lack of Personalization: Notably, these callers typically do not address recipients by name, a red flag that raises suspicions about the legitimacy of the call.
- Unsolicited Calls: These incidents of fraud occur without any prior communication or legitimate basis.
Recommendations for Handling Such Calls
If you encounter a call from 02 6140 3480 / 0261403480 or any similar number, here are some essential steps to consider:
- Don't Engage: If you suspect a scam, refrain from providing any personal information and hang up immediately.
- Original Verification: Contact the ATO directly using official channels to verify if any claims against you exist.
- Report the Incidents: Report such numbers to Scamwatch or your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim to this scam.
Conclusion
The calls from 02 6140 3480 / 0261403480 are characterized as a dangerous ATO scam designed to create panic and extract information. It’s crucial to stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and engage in actions such as using a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia tool, like Reverseau, for added security. Remember, if it sounds too good—or in this case, too threatening—to be true, it probably is.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6140 3480!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Received a message on our answering machine exactly the same as the previous one, mentioning the ATO and CDPP. The scary thing is my husband use to work for the CDPP. If I had been around I would most likely would have picked up the phone. It's a scam and I have reported it to police, scam watch and my accountant.
Today there was a message left on our answering machine from John Matthews claiming he was from the ATO in connection with a CDPP - he wanted either us or our Legal representative to contact him. I have phoned our accountant and it is a scam. Our accountant said that another client of his received a call stating that he was late with tax payments and had to pay using his credit card!
I had a call from John Matthews today, with the same message that others are reporting here. He claims to be from the ATO and requests to be phoned back immediately to do with a CDPP prosecution.
We had same message left for us to call the ATO and something like CDPP??. He said that we should call immediately and his name was John Matthews from the ATO, and left this number to call! It's good to have threads like this,
A message was left on my answering machine today at around 4.30pm. I have an unlisted number! He mentions his name (John Matthews) from ATO in Canberra. The message does not say who they are looking for only to say ring this number urgently as papers have been lodged against you, so have your attorney or you ring us. The accent was kind of american/indian. I rang my husband as I was very.
Concerned. He found this site with comments on.
Hope this helps someone else.
I just found one on my voice mail left a couple of days ago. I am ignoring it.
Had the same message left on my answer machine, my god these people seriously need to be bombarded with annoying calls, They're a pain.
'John Mathews' from the ATO left a message on our answering machine today. He sounded so suspect that I googled his name and number straight away and found this thread. He was a bit hard to understand but said we should get our 'attorney' to call - they should get the lingo right if they want people to believe them.
Have just contacted the ATO who advise that this number belongs to scamsters who told me I should ignore the call and to expect more (and more threatening) follow up calls.
"John Matthews" (who has a Philippino accent and made reference to my "registered attorney) purported to be an officer of the ATO. IGNORE!!!!!
Rubbish scam. Claims to be John Matthews from ATO. Threatens legal action. It's all B.S. PLEASE IGNORE.
Just another scam why is this number shut down by the telco.
Just had a phone call from "John Matthews" stating he was from the ATO and CDPP, asking for us to contact him or have our attorney contact him. He did not ask for anyone in the household by name. I Googled the phone number, as it sounded highly suspicious, and found this thread!!!
SO DODGY!!!!
John Matthews from the ATO is a busy boy it seems. I'm so sick of these scammers, honestly!
Thanks. We just had the same call from John Matthews stating an illegal payment had been made to ATO on our behalf. They didn't ask for us by name and couldn't name our company so I hung up.
Just had "john matthews" from the ato. They need to give up.
John Mathews from ATO insisting he would throw me into jail after lunch if non-compliance.
Just got the same message from John Matthews... ATO and Federal Police wanting my attorney... Have these people got nothing better to do...!!
I got a call and "David Marshall" on this number and he said he was calling from the ATO and the federal police were going to arrest me for outstanding tax. I spoke to the police, it is a scam, wish they'd bugger off.
Stated he was from the ATO and required me to urgently return their call or have my Attorney return their call. I was given 2 different names by the caller. Contacted the ATO and checked all my details. They will report it a scam number.