- Scam
- Suspicious
- Uncertain
- Spam
Have you received a call from 02 6152 8654? This number has been reported as a scam, with callers posing as ATO representatives claiming tax fraud. Learn how to handle these deceitful calls effectively.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6152 8654
The phone number 02 6152 8654 / 0261528654 has gained notoriety among Australian callers, being flagged repeatedly as a scam attempt. Individuals have reported receiving alarming messages claiming they are under investigation by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for serious charges of tax evasion and fraud. The caller often identifies themselves as "Kenneth Matthews" or similar, using a script designed to create a sense of urgency.
Characteristics of the Scam
This particular scam capitalizes on common fears surrounding tax obligations, especially tapping into the anxiety of potential legal consequences. Callers generally state that actions on your alleged tax issues are extremely time-sensitive, urging recipients to call back immediately. However, there are critical inconsistencies that make it clear this is a fraudulent attempt:
- Lack of Personalisation: The messages are generic and do not specify the recipient’s name or relevant details about their tax affairs.
- Unprofessional Communication: Many users noted accents and the scripted nature of the calls, raising red flags about the legitimacy of the contact.
- Disconnection of Call Lines: Several reports indicate that attempts to return calls to the number result in no answer or a disconnected line.
How to Handle Calls from This Number
If you receive a call or message from 02 6152 8654 / 0261528654, it is advisable to remain calm and not engage with the callers. Here are a few steps to guide your response:
- Do Not Call Back: Engaging with these callers may encourage persistent harassment.
- Verify Independently: If you’re unsure, contact the ATO directly using verified contact details to check your account status. The genuine ATO will not make unsolicited calls regarding legal matters.
- Report the Incident: Report the number to the ATO and local authorities like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help prevent others from falling prey to the scam.
Final Thoughts
The number 02 6152 8654 / 0261528654 is a reminder of the importance of vigilance against phone scams. In Australia, legitimate agencies will always follow formal processes when dealing with tax matters. Keeping informed through resources like Reverseau and employing a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can assist in identifying potentially malicious calls.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6152 8654!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
I too was called by these scammers, not one but twice in one day—leaving a message about tax fraud. I rang the first number back 02 6152 8654 and got an engaged signal. Between the two calls I rang the "Real" ATO, they confirmed it was a scam & if you do speak with them, get as much details from them (give them nothing) and pass on to ATO. ATO will not call you for such matters, without writing to you first. The second number is: 02 6140 3420.
Contacted and left a message on my landline advising his name is Kevin Shorten and calling from ATO. Demanding a call back straightaway, called him back and he said his name was Kevin Bartley from the ATO, then he demanded for my name and contact phone number, I refused to give my details. Then I tried to call him back, there was a lot of noise in the background and voice mail repeating 'Hello this is the ATO'.
Received a message on our answering machine on the 03/09/2015 from a Paul Thompson claiming to be from ATO saying that they had filed legal chase agaist us in the courthouse of my district for tax evasion and tax fraud. Call 02 6152 8654 for more info.
Vic 3083.
Received a call and they left a message saying they were from the ATO and they had a criminal case against me regarding tax fraud. Yes it is regarding tax fraud, they are the fraud. Ignore the call and do not call them back.
Received same call from kenneth mathews, said I was being prosecuted by ato for tax fraud and tax evasion at my regional commonwealth court. Said that the matter was time sensitive and I must contact this number as soon as possible. It was obviously very time sensitive as the number has now been disconnected. Cannot imagine the ato adopting such a crude approach so it is obviously a scam. However, very concerned that others may be taken in by the urgency of the matter.
Will report it to ato on monday.
SAME THING was left on my phone message and no one has our number so I new it had to be fake.
Time wasters!
Received same call on answering machine 20/5/15 Illawarra region about tax fraud case. No names mentioned just contact phone number.
Had message on answering machine from Kenneth Mathews from ATO left at 12.18 19/5/2015 stating that they had filed legal chase in the courthouse of my district for tax evasion and tax fraud. Call 02 6152 8654 for more info.
I was told to call thus number regarding a fraud claim against me from the ato. I have not called as I believe this is a scam.
Just got the same call in Cockburn Central, WA.
Got the same message ten minutes ago. Same turkey. Will advise ato of this pest as well.
Same deal. I'm on the NSW Central Coast. I've got Caller ID and never answer calls from Private Numbers, which this one was. He left a message on the answering machine saying there was a court case pending against my name, but he didn't say my name. He said the case would be in our local courthouse, but he didn't name a town or suburb. Just the usual BS trying to frighten you into parting with some money, no doubt. I had a call a few weeks ago from a Filipino woman calling from a Sydney number claiming to be ringing from the ATO in Canberra. They didn't realise people with caller ID could see that with the first numberof their phone number as 9 and not 6 meant that it was a Sydney number and not a Canberra number. Be wary of ANY unsolicited phone calls.
Same occurrence on answering machine 18/5/15 Illawarra region.
Just got home from work and had same message from Kenneth Mathews from ATO left at 10.30 15/5/2015 stating that they lodged papers in Commonwealth Court of my district for tax evasion and tax fraud. What a crock. Must call 0261528654 for more info. Husband tried to call to play games with them but number disconnected. Bloody scammers, had my 80 year old mother quite worried until I showed her this site that proves he is a bullshit artist.
Same as everyone else - message left on home answering machine legal action from ato due to tax fraud. Not particularly convincing! Sounded a lot like a recorded message. Will pass number left on to ato website.
Just received the same call, same dialog...
Hope this scammer gets caught.
15.05.2015 11.45am - Kenneth Matthews recording has just reached me on my land line. Same ATO fraud message as noted by other complainants.
We got the same call. He had been ringing non stop for the past three days. Could tell it was a scam before he even said hello. My sibling is a cop and got onto him! He has been advised he is being tracked. He got pretty scared and hung up after that. The number has now been disconnected go figure. But be sure to continue to report this man as he will no doubt use different numbers and is a serial pest. Don't give out your details.
A message was left on our answering machine today, played it back when arrived home from work, from a Kenneth Matthews, the message was the same as some of the posts here, a legal case has been made against(does not say to whom)for Tax evasion & fraud in our local court he also mentioned time sensitive, we also or our legal rep had to ring him urgently or be prepared to face the consequences, he ended with you have nice day, tried ringing the number to have a go at him, the number was permanently engaged. I will be reporting this to the police & the ATO.
Received the same message from "Kenneth Matthews" from the ATO, saying a case has been laid against me for tax evasion / tax fraud and that I should call back on 02 6152 8654. Figured it was a scam and so checked here. Sheeeeesh, will these scammers never give up!!
Just had the same message.
Indian with American accent.
These scammers are just getting worse...
Be assured that this number is a SCAM.
Do not give them any information, e.g. bank accounts, Date of Birth or Tax File Numbers.
They will take your good earning money from you.
The Australian Taxation Office do not make calls like that, if you want to report them, ring the police, they are looking for people like this.
Same as everyone else. Message left. If they can't leave a message for a particular person then something is not right. Plus he sounded just a tad cheerful and like he was reading a script.
The ATO know who contact if I'm needed.
Had a call today from the same Kenneth Mathew with a an accent stating he was from the ATO & to call 02 61528654 as a case was in the local commonwealth court house for tax evasion & fraud. Seemed strange that he did not give a business or persons name as to which the surposite evasion or fraud related to.
SCAM ! same Kevin mathews.... How stupid do they think we are !
Received call 10 minutes ago.
Thankfully mother is a tax agent.
THIS IS A SCAM.
Definitely.
Don't fall for it for one second.
I received the same call today from Kenneth Matthews (US accent) stating the ATO had filed a legal case against (no name specified) for tax evasion and fraud and to call this number immediately as it was a very time sensitive case.
I had a call at 4.21pm WST saying I was being taken to court by ATO & Kenneth Mathews for Fraud & Tax Evasion. Rang number & no one answered. I am ringing ATO & ACCC today to lodge formal complaint.
Nyah, Victoria.
Received a call from a Janet Matthews (with an accent) stating she was from the ATO, and that they had launched a case of tax evasion and tax fraud against my number (no names or business names used) and gave the number 02 61528654 as the hot line number to call.
SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM.
Just received the same message, is this defo a hoax?
I also had a message left on my landline number yesterday from a Kenneth Marques(?spelling.He said the ATO had filed a Legal Case against me in my name for Tax evasion and tax fraud. He said it was extremely serious and time sensitive and that I had to ring back the ATO on 0261528654. This really was stressful. I rang the number back at 6.05 am and noone answered. Thank goodness.The guy had an accent. I will be contacting the ATO today.
I had a message left on my answering machine today from Kenneth Matthews from the ATO advising that I am being investigated for tax evasion and fraud. The return number left by Kenneth was 02 6152 8654. ATO have been contacted and are keen to receive as much info as possible. I think Kenneth is currently being investigated. I have recorded his message and plan to send it to the ATO to help with their investigations.