02 6152 8689: Scam Alert - ATO Fraud Attempt

3-min Read18 Reports

  • Suspicious
  • Scam
  • Uncertain
  • Spam

The phone number 02 6152 8689 has been reported as a scam, pretending to be from the ATO and threatening legal action. Read on for guidance on how to handle calls from this number.

Understanding the Risks of Calls from 02 6152 8689

The phone number 02 6152 8689 / 0261528689 has raised significant alarm among users, who have reported that it is associated with a scam operation impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The classic tactics of intimidation are employed, with the caller claiming that a lawsuit is being filed against the recipient due to supposed tax fraud.

What Kind of Scam is This?

Users who have answered calls from 02 6152 8689 / 0261528689 describe a threatening and aggressive manner, often warning that immediate legal action will be taken if they do not respond. Here are the key characteristics that classify this as a scam:

  • Impersonation of a Trusted Organisation: The scammers pose as ATO representatives, an entity that many Australians trust and respect. This tactic exploits the legitimate authority of government agencies.
  • Threats of Legal Action: Claims of lawsuits and immediate arrest threaten recipients into compliance, a common psychological tactic used by fraudsters.
  • Demands for Personal Information: Callers often demand sensitive information under duress, attempting to collect personal details such as Tax File Numbers.
  • International Calling Patterns: Some reports suggest that the call might actually originate from an overseas number, further indicating its fraudulent nature.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Call from 02 6152 8689?

Receiving a call from this number can be alarming, but it is crucial to remain calm and take the following steps:

  • Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from 02 6152 8689 / 0261528689, it's best not to engage with the caller. Hang up immediately.
  • Verify Claims: If you are concerned about a legitimate issue with the ATO, contact them directly using official communication channels. Do not use any contact information provided by the caller.
  • Report the Call: Report the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Scamwatch, which can provide guidance and resources on handling scams.
  • Spread the Word: Inform friends and family about the scam to prevent them from falling victim to similar tactics.

Conclusion

In summary, the number 02 6152 8689 / 0261528689 is confirmed as a scam, exploiting fears around tax obligations to prey on the unsuspecting. Using services like Reverseau can provide insights and help you identify other suspicious callers, ensuring you won’t fall victim to this or any similar scams. Always stay informed and vigilant.


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Ratings Distribution

1.6 out of 5
5 Stars 0%
4 Stars 6%
3 Stars 17%
2 Stars 6%
1 Star 72%

What Our Users Reviewed

B
Boehme

Yep same thing, Claimed to be frm AGO "G" not "T" so was suspicious. Plus said was final warning and unlikely that a phone call would be the final warning as it is not traceable.

Found this page and yep, confirmed my suspicion.

Thanks.

L
Laverty

Got called, electronic voice saying we would get sued. SCAM.

G
Gsell

I came home and found a computer generated message on my answering machine asking to call back this number if I didn't want to get arrested. ATO would apparently have lodged a law suit against me. Definitely a scam.

L
Lowenthal

I've got the automated message from this number that said its from ATO and asked me to call that number back.

When I called they said I have some debt to ATO and I have to pay 2.6K to them. I checked it with ATO office and they confirmed that its absolutely a scam. I hope police find them and prosecute them.

B
Bass

This looks like a scam. I got a call on my work number from a computer generated voice saying that it was the Tax Office and that this was a final notice that they were taking legal action and to call 261 528 689 if I wanted to avoid it.

Thinking it might be 02 6152 8689, I called, got someone claiming to be from the tax office, but when I asked for what it was about, he just said "have you paid all your tax". I tried to find out what entity the call related to (like I said, he called on my work number), he put me on hold, then came back and said it was a miscommunication and that I could ignore it.

Having now read all the other comments, I'm confident this is a scam, because they knew absolutely nothing about the call, and went to water when I starting pushing for more information.

D
Darby

We just received a similar call, I was like.. What the!!

Thank you for having this info.

Aykut.

B
Boots

Received this call on a landline saying the ATO has filed a lawsuit against me for tax fraud. It was an automated computer female voice. Not even a real person. She then told me to call 261 528 688. GET OUT!

D
Dent

I got a call yesterday from this number too. Same story. The lady said she was calling from the ATO. Apparently had a complaint about tax fraud for $40.000. I don't even have a job lol.

C
Cawley

Missed call - after I read all your guys comments I was like LOL.

C
Crisp

Interesting! Also just got a call from +261 528689.

I am cautious when answering international and unrecognised numbers, so just said "Hello". Lady had poor English, and she attempted conversation along the lines of "Is this Smith?" - at which point I hung up.

Most likely overseas (based on call quality), and probably a call centre of some sort (based on background noise).

Beware!

B
Bleeker

The number is not 02 6152 8689 but +261 528 689 and it is a Madagascar number!! They just exploit the fact it looks like Australian NSW number. They claimed to be from ATO.

I told them they had wrong number.

G
Greenough

I received a call from this number and the guy said he is from ATO. ATO filled a fraud case against me and I will get arrested in 20 minutes if I hang up this call. He demanded me that I need to pay him 4.5K over the phone to sort this matter out. So far I know all my taxation matters are up to date with ATO. Go away scammars.

F
Faver

I got a call from this number and it was the same that I was being sued. The person on the phone sounded perhaps Thai or Filipino.

Not sure why the ATO wants to sue me however when I called the number back and questioned the lady she was just after my personal details.

I assume they are calling people and trying to get peoples personal details and tax file number etc by threatening legal action.

Definitely a scam.

B
Biagi

Same. Supposed law suit ... Lol.

Nutters. As if!!!! Stop spamming people.

I
Ivory

Same as above. Just had a recorded message from this phone number to say they are filing a law suit against me. No idea who they are and I'm a law abiding citizen so should be in trouble for anything. Tried calling back but there is no answer.

J
Jovanovic

Same message re tax and arrest warrant no issues with Tax.

B
Bartlett

The sound like an indian english speaker.. Back off scammers.

F
Flook

I got a call from this number regarding ATO.. Says I should call them back on this number before they sent arrest warrant wtf? I don't have any issues regarding tax.. Please suggest me is this number scam or not.


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