- Scam
- Suspicious
The number 02 6145 2253 has been identified as a scam related to impersonation of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Learn how to respond to calls from this number effectively.
Understanding the Scams Behind 02 6145 2253
The number 02 6145 2253 / 0261452253 has been reported by numerous users as a persistent scam attempt, with victims claiming to receive threats related to alleged tax violations from someone posing as an official from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This article delves into the nature of the call and provides important guidance on how to handle such situations.
What the Calls Entail
From user reports, it's clear that calls originating from this number typically employ aggressive tactics to scare recipients into compliance. Callers, who reportedly speak with noticeable foreign accents, threaten potential legal actions including imminent arrest if individuals do not return their call or provide personal details. It’s worth noting that these calls often mention time-sensitive issues, aiming to instill fear and create urgency.
Analysing the Scam
This type of scam commonly referred to as 'vishing' (voice phishing), is particularly troubling as it exploits fear of legal repercussions. Reviewers have consistently described a plotting approach, where the callers state they are from the ATO and require payment for supposed tax violations. The sum demanded can vary, with some reports indicating amounts upwards of $8000. Additionally, there are claims of follow-up calls made with automated messages, further pressuring victims to comply.
Recognising the Indicators of This Scam
- Threats of Juridical Action: Many callers assert that police will come to arrest the recipient for outstanding taxes, which is a classic intimidation tactic.
- Voice and Tone: Callers often exhibit a heavy accent and unprofessional manner, which is distinct from legitimate official communications.
- Failure to Validate Claims: Legitimate representatives of the ATO will never demand immediate payment or threaten legal actions over the phone.
What to Do if You Receive a Call from This Number
If you receive a call from 02 6145 2253 / 0261452253, follow these guidelines to protect yourself:
- Do Not Engage: Hang up immediately if the caller demands personal information or threatens you.
- Verify Before You Act: If in doubt, contact the ATO directly using the contact information sourced from their official website to establish if there is an active inquiry regarding your tax matters.
- Report the Call: Submitted reports to sites like Scamwatch can help track and mitigate these scams. Alert authorities if necessary.
Conclusion
Calls from 02 6145 2253 / 0261452253 are a significant concern as they target vulnerable individuals, instilling fear through threats disguised as official communication. Understanding these deceptive practices is crucial for safeguarding yourself and others. If you experience any further issues, remember, you're not alone – many are facing the same challenge, and reporting any suspicious call can contribute towards reducing such fraudulent activities across Australia.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6145 2253!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Said they were from the Australian Taxation office and we should call back immediately.
Got a call twice this morning from a private number. Ignored it and let ot a call twice this morning from a private number. Ignored it and let it go to voicemail. Message left was from an aggressive automated female voice, saying that either I or my lawyer needed to call Mitchel Johnson from the ATO on 0261452253 immediately. Also said that it was a time sensitive matter and they were threatening legal action. Was a bit petrified for a few minutes till I figured the ATO would never use a recorded message. Decided to check what this number was and after looking at all the above comments, guess its a big SCAM! Yea bloody idiot wasting my time and giving me stressit go to voicemail. Message left was from an aggressive automated female voice, saying that either I or my lawyer needed to call Mitchel Johnson from the ATO on 0261452253 immediately. Also said that it was a time sensitive matter and they were threatening legal action. Was a bit petrified for a few minutes till I figured the ATO would never use a recorded message. Decided to check what this number was and after looking at all the above comments, guess.
2 calls from this no. From someone calling themselves.
Nikki Johnson. Said they were ATO and I should not disregard call as it is was an extremely sensitive issue. After the second call I tried to ring back and was cut off.
As a senior person I was very concerned about this call.
I have had a call, Friday, Monday, Tuesday - twice each day with the same message. From an automated female voice, saying that either I or my lawyer needed to call Mitchel Johnson from the ATO on 0261452253 immediately. Also said that it was a time sensitive matter and they were threatening legal action. Luckily I was very suspicious and ignored them, but really, three days and most likely there will be more today.
Got a call twice this morning from a private number. Ignored it and let it go to voicemail. Message left was from an aggressive automated female voice, saying that either I or my lawyer needed to call Mitchel Johnson from the ATO on 0261452253 immediately. Also said that it was a time sensitive matter and they were threatening legal action. Was a bit petrified for a few minutes till I figured the ATO would never use a recorded message. Decided to check what this number was and after looking at all the above comments, guess its a big SCAM !
Yes, this is a scam! I have contact ATO to confirm, they never call like this. Had a recorded message to say "calling from ATO" and to call back on the exact number they were calling from. Said to get a solicitor if desired, an extremely time sensitive matter! Bollocks!
Yes got multiple calls from this mob said ATO I owed $6k but if I paid $2800 I can keep it out of court which will cost lots more lol the prick had me for a few minutes then decided to throw in that I have stolen money from the government lol then I knew he's off his rocker as we the people get robbed by the government everyday and any chance of getting at them is very minimal if not impossible lol but yes pretty scary scam for the elderly these pricks should be lined up and shot as they must be making money to pay for the recorded message auto dial and follow up calls with offices in Canberra and Melbourne so far? But yes a scam.
Someone from this number left a message on my answering machine today 25/8/15 saying she was Nicki Johnston from the ATO and the matter was urgent and to call back and not disregard the message.... Very suspicious!!
Received a message on our landline today 21st August 2015 (half of it was cut off- very strong accent)- stating she was from the ATO and that it was a time sensitive issue to get my lawyer or to call personally.. SCAM.
Idiots did the same thing to me and when my accounting called ATO they told him that they never contacted them.
SCAMERSSSS.
Received voice message to ring this number and confronted with a person saying that I owe ATO.
For 8000 dollars. When I said I don't work and don't have money, said that the police are on their way to arrest me.... Definitely a SCAM...beware.
This number tried to call, I didn't answer. A few hours later I got a call from 'overseas private' number. When I didn't answer it left and automated recorded message saying that me or my lawyer should call the ATO immediately on 0261452253. This is some kind of scam - beware!
I have just recieved the same phone call. I hung up on him when he told me that the police were on their way to arrest me.
Yes definitely a scam punters .
Message left 17/8/2015, female American sounding automated voice requesting the attention of either yourself or your lawyer states she is from ATO.
Then states there is a sensitive time issue & not to ignore call. Leaves you a name, mine was nicki.
JACKSON Then tells you to have a nice day.
Do exactly that - ignore ignore ignore & then punters you will have a nice day!
This phone number is used to prey on the elderly and vulnerable using ATO as the caller's employer and threatening imminent arrest for wilful tax violation offence if monies aren't paid to an account immediately. Male foreign voice caller first asked for figure over $4000 and then over $2000 in same call. Caller ID recorded number 1300304975 on one of the calls made. A third call (message left on phone) from a female operator threatened the victim to call 0261452253. Victim has reported matter to Scamwatch - . Please report your calls to Scamwatch also.
Call received 17.8.15. Voice perhaps Phillipine in origin stating a time sensitive issue with ATO which needed the attention of my lawyer. Signed off with 'take care' which is definitely non-bureaucratic in tone.
Received a call and enquired as to what this call is for.
"There will be legal action, call back or the police will come and find you." When a NSW area code comes into the equation and you live in another state/Territory, that is the first piece of evidence against them. If a John Anderson rings, hang up.
Not only does the accent give a hint of trickery, the fact that he couldn't explain himself shows that you're in for a scam.
Make sure to ask questions (as it is your right to) and they'll get angry.
Good Riddance!
Same.First l was called and told police were coming to arrest me. I Hung up without giving details and rang back on a different number and asked to be transferred to the tax claim department, guess what? They hung up.
Phone call received 13/08/2015 - called back answered by Indian Voiced person claims to be from Australian Taxation Office. Phhfft.