- Scam
- Suspicious
Seems you’ve been called by 02 6152 8678? Reports suggest that this number is linked to an ongoing scam claiming to be Centrelink or the tax department. Here’s how to handle it.
Identifying the Threat: 02 6152 8678
The phone number 02 6152 8678 has surfaced in user reports as a number associated with scams purporting to be from Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Those who have received calls often report automated messages claiming urgent matters related to benefits or tax fraud, creating an atmosphere of panic in unsuspecting recipients.
Understanding the Scam
Many individuals have received automated calls that lure them with vague claims of money owed, asking them to verify their identities or provide personal information, which raises a red flag regarding their authenticity. A common theme among reports indicates that these messages generically touch on increases in benefits or tax issues, often without personal identifiers like a CRN or proper correspondence details. The most alarming aspect is that when users attempt to connect back, they are met with representatives insisting on private information and even threatening legal action.
Analysing User Experiences
From the myriad of reports, it becomes evident that this number is part of a troubling trend prevalent in Australia’s telecommunications landscape, where scammers exploit the public’s vulnerability. Reviewers recall receiving multiple calls, often with no response or follow-up communication, which is characteristic of such sinister schemes. Moreover, the simultaneous mentioning of tax fraud accusations adds an element of intimidation that these scammers leverage against potential victims.
How to Deal with Unknown Calls
- Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, it is crucial never to engage or provide personal information. Legitimate government agencies will not ask for sensitive details via unsolicited calls.
- Hang Up: If you identify a call from 02 6152 8678 / 0261528678, simply hang up. Engaging could lead to further harassment.
- Report the Number: Consider reporting this number to Scamwatch or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help combat such scam attempts.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself on common phone scams in Australia by visiting credible resources that outline warning signs and preventive measures.
Conclusion
Overall, the consensus reflects that 02 6152 8678 is a scam number, functioning under the guise of authority figures such as Centrelink and the ATO to extract personal details unlawfully. By being acutely aware and appropriately handling such calls, Australians can protect themselves from falling victim to these nefarious acts. Always fellow the rule: if in doubt, check it out through trusted channels or reverse phone lookup services, such as Reverseau.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Scammer call asked me to call this number 11/6/17.
Wording was exactly the example transcript at [link] and an obvious computer generated voice.
I had the same scam call from that number, some tosh about a tax fraud I've committed! But be aware Madeline is wrong - the ATO DO cold call, or at least they did 8 years ago, I had a call from the ATO and as a safeguard I phoned back and it WAS genuine and resulted in months and months of work for me having to obtain pension records from 30 years ago, but as it turned out it was their loss as I was underclaiming! But how useless are our Telecomms companies when they can't even block this garbage, it's been going on for a year now with this number. I've forwarded the details to the Scamwatch people for what little use it will do.
I have received several calls from this number in regard to taxation issues. What I don't understand is why out telecommunications systems continues to allow it. From my perspective, we appear to have a very weak and useless governance in this area that out politicians have much to answer for. I have instigated my own investigations to track down the person or persons behind these calls, and I am determined to ensure that they face the consequences of their cowardly, childish, irresponsible and pathetic behavior.
This scammer called me twice yesterday. No response when I answered. I didn't bother calling back because I recognise this kind of call from previous similar calls.
Contact the following to report anyone asking for personal details and claiming to be from a government agency (they NEVER cold call):
[link].
I have had a few missed calls from this number. Finally I rang back to see who it was. He said he was from the tax department and insistent on me giving my DOB. I said you called me so you should have my details. He said that he is calling re tax fraud. I told him if that is the case you can sent me a letter and I will deal with it. He then said that a letter was sent last year and a few months ago, which I never received any letters. I again said I am not giving you my details you can send me another letter he said no because it is locked up in the federal court. I said to him again I am not giving you any of my details as I do not know who you are. He then said if you hang up the cops will be at your door in about 45 min. No cops turned up so this is definitely a scam.
2 calls today from this number today. No sound at the other end. They hung up after 16 seconds.
This number called my mobile at 11.48am Monday. They left a message but didn't say a word. The same number called me again the same day at 6.04pm while I was driving, so my daughter answered it but no one would talk so she hung up. I then called the number back and a real human answered and wanted my name and I said "you've called my number twice today you should know my name". Befrore asking my name he asked me to verify if I was calling back on the same number they called me from?? The voice then said something about fraud. So I said "stop calling me you're a scammer." I have also registered my phone numbers on the 'Do Not Call' register a month or so ago so only scammers and jerks would still be calling.
Got the same automated call two days ago informing me centrelink has been unable to contact me regarding an increase in benefits and back payments due to me. The message asked me to call Canberra centrelink head office on 0261528678 and quote ref number xxxxxx so that they can approve payment.
Centrelink have not left any messages for me on email or mygov and nothing from them in the post so I shall ignore the request as it is sure to be a scam.
A phone call, I haven't caller id so I don't know the originating phone number. But an automated message claiming to be from centrelink first asked if I was on benefits 1 if yes 2 if no. I done 1 but it then said it was about a increase in benefits. It had no name used in it didn't mention a crn number and was way to generic to be true and I followed the rule ANY business doesn't ring you especially automated messages to tell you things.
It then said ring 0261528678 and quote some number invoice or something which I won't do as thats a std call yep still on telstra.
But im not paying money to be ripped off as why wouldnt centrelink ask you to look on the website for the information? Aka its some sort of scam. I could be wrong but doubt it.