- Scam
- Suspicious
- Uncertain
Beware of calls from 02 6152 8674, reported to be a scam impersonating the ATO threatening tax evasion. Learn how to handle these deceitful calls and protect yourself.
Identifying the Threat: 02 6152 8674
Calls originating from 02 6152 8674 / 0261528674 have raised alarms among Australian residents, as it has been reported frequently by users as part of a scam impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The caller typically claims to be a representative named "Robbie King," threatening individuals with legal action over alleged tax evasion. This article aims to dissect user experiences and provide guidance on how to handle such deceitful communications.
The Scam Unveiled
The majority of users who received calls from 02 6152 8674 / 0261528674 have described similar distressing messages. The scammers employ high-pressure tactics to elicit panic, warning recipients of serious consequences such as arrest or substantial fines unless they return the call immediately. These tactics are characteristic of phone scams aimed at tricking individuals into divulging personal information or, worse, sending money to avert fictitious legal troubles.
User Experiences
User reports mostly date from May 2015, highlighting issues faced by various individuals, particularly targeting the elderly. They shared experiences of receiving threatening voicemail messages indicating that tax evasion claims had been filed against them. Users described multiple attempts to return the call, often finding that the call does not connect, signalling a phishing attempt.
Why It's Important to Be Vigilant
- Callers Rarely Identify Themselves: The lack of concrete identification is a major red flag. Authentic ATO representatives would never initiate communication in such a suspicious and aggressive manner.
- Bad Accents and Language Use: Users noted the unnatural tones used by the caller, making it clear that this was not a professional interaction typical of a governmental agency.
- Threatening Messages: The urgent and threatening tone of these messages is designed to cause immediate anxiety, often leading individuals to make hasty decisions.
What to Do If You Receive a Call
If you receive a call from 02 6152 8674 / 0261528674 or similar numbers, follow these guidelines to protect yourself:
- Do Not Call Back: Engaging with the scammers may lead to further harassment or additional attempts to scam you.
- Report the Incident: Notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or local authorities about the scam attempt.
- Alert Friends and Family: Especially those who may be more vulnerable, such as the elderly, to ensure they are not misled by these fraudulent messages.
- Use Reverseau: For peace of mind, consider using Reverseau's reverse phone lookup service to identify suspicious numbers.
Conclusion
In the age of information, it is crucial to stay informed about the types of scams circulating in Australia. The troubling calls from 02 6152 8674 / 0261528674 represent a deceitful effort that mixes urgency with misinformation. Look out for one another, follow appropriate measures, and remember to investigate unfamiliar numbers through reliable resources like Reverseau. Stay safe!
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What Our Users Reviewed
02 6152 8612 - left a message on our answering machine - claiming to be from some "headquarters" etc. First part of message was missing - message went on to say tax evasion - matter very serious etc. Call us back urgently - if we have not heard from your side etc.
Hope they can shut these clowns down - its quite an intimatdating call to listen too despite it finishing with " have a blessed day" WTF !
Don't call back !!!
Gosh o am not old but did get a bit concerned that I may have done something wrong was going to call my accountant in the morning but good thing I looked online. How disputable of these people hope they get caught.
Similar message left on my elderly mother's phone, imminent arrest for failing to lodge tax returns & house under surveillance. Fortunately I intercepted the call, otherwise who knows what would have happened as she already has an anxiety disorder. Shocking.
I got three phone calls in 3 days saying they had an arrest warrant and the house was under surveillance. I received a similar call a few weeks ago. A bit tired of it.
What a vague message. I did try to call the number back but it seems fake.
Will ignore this now that I have read comments below. It is a really nasty scam.
I had the same message as Joy with the 8612 suffix. Bit anxiety provoking as I am actually a bit behind in my tax returns (hah!) so had me going for a few moments. Thanks to the other posts here I won't be bothered calling back... But I might get those returns done this year!!!
Different number to ring - 02 6152 8612. I received several similar phone messages on my answering machine yesterday and today, claiming to be automatically generated (must be using text to speech to cover the dodgy accent and stumbling over words) from the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the ATO re fraudulent or non-filing of tax return. Claimed to have a warrant issued for my arrest and that my address is registered with them and under surveillance in order to enact it as I supposedly have not responded to registered mail and returned it unsigned. The number to ring was 02 6152 8612. No name given. I guess they must have to keep changing the number as the ATO or AFP shut each one down. I didn't bother to ring as I have heard about this scam before. However, it is a particularly nasty, threatening sort of scam for an older person, living alone to receive. In fact, not just a money scam - it is extortion.
Hobart 26/6. If it wasn't for the appalling accent I would nearly of had some doubt. He should of used that oistralyan from the Simpsons. Back in my day, scammers got you every time. These goons are woeful. They might have more success begging for chips. LMFAO.
I too received the same threatening phone message on 4/6 and couldn't believe that Robbie King even had the audacity to wish me a "blessed day" at the end of the call. Well it's a week later amd I still haven't had my house repossessed by the ATO so it looks like it was a scam afterall.... Robbie was so passionate about his job too!
This is definetely a bogus number.
Robbie King is a busy bloke. Yesterday he left a message on my machine claiming to be from the ATO and about to take legal action against me for tax evasion and fraud. Clearly bogus... the call I made failed to pick up...
Members of my family got the same message at around the same time. Maybe the scammers going through the telephone Directory alphabetically.!
This morning I got a phone message about serious tax evasion and fraud, asking me (with the name mispronounced) or my attorney to ring today or face charges,
The voice was scratchy and badly asian-accented.
He wished me a good day at the end.
I remembered you can Google numbers do will ignore this call.
I had a similar message left on my machine. The line was so bad it was hard to decipher what was being said which made me suspicious. First action - Google the number. Thanks for all the posts.
Hi, I received a phone message from some guy claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (using a bad impersonation of Australia lingo) and he was warning me. If I, or my lawyer did not contact him buy the end of the day, that they would be lodging a claim against my name... By the way, he never mentioned who the phone call was intended for (warning bells). Reeks of possible scammer. So I typed the phone number into Google Search and found other people that have been contacted the same way. Mind you I have been receiving a few phone calls and the caller hangs up after I have answered. They definitely want to leaved an Answering machine phone message for better impact.
A guy called my mother claiming the tax office owed her 7k then another phone call said that she actually owed that amount now and is being sued for tax avaison!! My mum hasn't worked in over 10 years. Clearly a scam!! Be careful people !!
Had a call from Robbie king from the ATO 2 days ago, same thing; filing a legal petition against my name, for tax evasion /fraud told me to contact back on 02 61528663. Then 2 days later the same guy rings up with another contact number of 0261528663.
I phone a message from my answering machine from Robbie too. Told me it was to do with tax evasion/fraud and that my attorney or me had to call by the end of the day. Finished by saying "Have a great day"!".
Definitely sounds like a scam.
The real ATO phone nos are here:
[link].
Came home to a message on my answering machine informing me that the ATO had filed a petition against me for tax evasion and fraud, and that I need to call 02 6152 8674 by the end of the day. As I haven't worked in two years I know this is fake! I hope no one falls for it.
Robbie King - Clearly a SCAM artist!! Hope he has a blessed Day, he too will one day face the consequences!
This is clearly a scam. Out of curiosity, I attempted to return the call as a message had been left on Telstra's Messagebank. However, no return number was registered. While clearly a scam, I tried the number that "Robbie" indicated in his message. I have plenty of time today and hoped to string him along to waste his time. It did not connect. I suspect that "Robbie" in fact is calling from the USA: his accent and language - "contact from your attorney" suggest this.
I hope no-one is fooled by this clown.
Just had the same message. He did wish me a "blessed day" at the end of his message.
Received two messages from Robbie King today, accusing me of tax evasion and fraud, threatening prosecution unless I returned his call on 02 6152 8674 or 02 6152 8663 immediately. 'Robbie' was trying hard to speak clearly so as not to reveal too much with his accent. There is no way the ATO would sanction messages like this! 'Robbie' must be fraudster trying to frighten us into giving him our bank account details. Warn your elderly family members, friends and neighbours.
Had a message from withheld no but it was robbie king telling me he was from the ato head office and they had filed a petition for tax evasion and fraud. If they did not hear from me or my attorney by the end of the day then I will face very serious consequences, I was to ring the ato head office hotline number 02 6128674 and I should have a very blessed day........ Mmm a scam methinks.......
Live in Perth.70 years old but alert & suspicious!
Message from 'Robbie King' from 'ATO' with threats of legal action.
NOTE: Anything odd - look it up in Google first!!!
Yup... Same call... Now to prank the scammer.
Yes sounds like a scam, I had one today.
I am living in Sydney and I received a call from a private number. I got a machine message saying they were from the ATO regarding a false tax declaration and I should call the number 61528674. I am wondering if this was another one of those scams, because even though I am registered on the 'anti marketing list' where I should not receive any phone calls, I often receive phone calls from Indians regarding my computer, or some other obvious scam. Could I get some help on this?