- Scam
- Suspicious
- Spam
Beware of calls from 02 6152 8686 - a number linked to scams impersonating the Australian Taxation Office. Learn what actions to take if you receive a call from this number.
Understanding the Scam from 02 6152 8686
The phone number 02 6152 8686 / 0261528686 has recently become notorious among Australian residents as a source of scams impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Reports from various users indicate a troubling pattern of calls and messages designed to instil fear and urgency, typical of fraud schemes.
Classification of the Number
This number has been overwhelmingly classified as a scam due to the consistent nature of the reports detailing the calls received. Users describe messages that claim they owe back taxes and that urgent payment is required to avoid severe consequences, including arrest. These calls often feature pre-recorded messages that purport to be from the ATO, using alarming language and fake officer names such as "Shane Hogg" and "Kevin Shaw".
The Nature of the Scam
Specific characteristics of the calls include:
- Automated Messages: Many users have reported receiving pre-recorded messages with threats regarding legal action if immediate payment isn't made.
- Evasive Interaction: If individuals try to return the call or question the validity of the claims, the callers often hang up or provide no verifiable identity.
- Alarming Threats: Reports mention claims of outstanding warrants and stressful statements urging immediate action, creating a sense of emergency to trick potential victims into compliance.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6152 8686
If you receive a call or message from this number:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid communicating with the caller or providing any personal information.
- Verify the Source: Contact the ATO directly using official channels, not the contact information provided in the call.
- Report the Call: Document the incident and report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the ATO’s fraud hotline.
- Help Others: Share your experience to raise awareness within your community about the scam.
Final Thoughts
An increasing trend of impersonation scams targeted at Australians is reflected in user experiences with the number 02 6152 8686 / 0261528686. Staying informed and vigilant is key. If you're ever doubtful about the legitimacy of a call, remember that it is always safer to disconnect and verify through known contact methods. With resources like Reverseau, you can perform a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia and find out who called you, ensuring you never fall for questionable tactics again.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6152 8686!
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What Our Users Reviewed
I also had this call 11 August, pre recorded message the caller had a strong accent and he sated he was from the ATO and that I was been investigated for fraud. Said to call the number and that I was to be fined.
Called and number disconnected - totally a scam, sounded very dodgy and the ATO would write.
Also didn't ask for me by name so very sketchy.
Ignore and report.
"Kevin Shaw" must have a phone glued to the side of his head! Left a message on my home phone on Monday 11th August, same rubbish, a crook accent and a smug giggle in the background from his offsider. Treated it as a scam but not impressed.
11/08/2015 message left on my landline answer phone saying 'my name is Kevin Shaw, I work for the Australian Tax Office. You need to contact me urgently regarding a fraud case that we are bringing against you. You will need a lawyer and the charges are very strong, if you do not contact me we will proceed to court. Please contact me immediately 02 61528686. Have a nice day'......I telephoned the ATO who have no one listed by that name in their employ and... There are no fraud charges on my file!..... Take care folks.
Scammers.
So fake.
Don't fall for it.
Ring now and it said that it is disconnected yeah.
Me too - on my work mobile. BAD RUSSIAN SCAMMERS - shame on you!!
Pre-recorded message from 02 6152 8686 left on my message bank. Happened twice.2nd with different name.
Aparently calling about a time sensitive matter and that I need an attorney or myself self to call back urgently and then wishing me that I will need good luck if I don't!
Scammers. Googled the number and it says it's from a Russian telecommunications. Definitely scammers.
Same as all the others over the past couple of days - reported to the ATO - SCAM.
Yeah, I had a recorded voice message from 'Brad Noble' stating that there was a warrant out on my arrest and that I or my attorney must call back immediately.
I called from my work number, which is a private line and the guy answered with 'Australian Taxation Office' and when I was asked for my name I told them that I wouldn't provide it until they provided me with more solid proof that this was indeed the ATO. They hung up on me. Fraud.
Pre-recorded massage saying it was the ATO & I must return the call once hung up!
Sick of these dickheads doing this stuff!!
Can't they be stopped straight away & fined!!
Called and left message saying if they didn't hear from me or my attorney, "Good luck." Who says that?
Didn't ask for me by name, didn't say what the matter was regarding. Placed on ignore list.
A call to my mobile from this number. It was a pre recorded voice message claiming to be from the tax office and I owed them money. If I did not ring back there was a threat of further action.
A call was returned from another number which was answered and he was question for his ID and location which he than hung up.
Have tried several times since from a blocked phone ID number (Add 1831 in front of the number you dial to hide your number) with no response.
Report this number to the ATO complaints department who said they forward it to there intelligences department.
Call to my mobile phone from 0261528686. When answered, no-one there. I phoned back - no connection. Checked the number on the Internet. Someone claimed it was spam.
26 calls to my mobile today, stops rininging after 2 rings, no one there even if you answer immediately.
I received a call 13/5/15.
The autodialer purported to be calling from the ATO regarding a matter that is extremely time sensitive.
Phonecalls claiming their from the tax office and that I will cop huge fines if I don't pay apparent back owed taxes today. And I had to deposit the money WHILE ON THE PHONE TO HIM, and he would only give me the bank numbers when I got to the bank.
Fake person, not really from the ato.
Received 2 messages from Shane Hogg (or Hugg) thick fake kiwi accent.02 261528686 today and yesterday Similar number from Officer Tom Johnson (02 26152 8673) from the ATO/Dept of pubic prosecutions, "out standing warrant in your name". "you must ring, or if not, good luck".
Will lodge a spam notice to ATO with Tom and Shane's numbers.
If you get a call ask them for THEIR bank details and tell you'll forward the money...tools!!!
A good number to give them is 3825 633 (check the alphabet keys on your phone, eg F=3).