- Scam
- Spam
- Uncertain
02 6152 8697 is reported as a scam number impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Beware of calls claiming legal action against you. Learn how to handle these scams effectively.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6152 8697
In recent years, 02 6152 8697 / 0261528697 has emerged as a notorious phone number, reported by numerous users as a scam. The callers typically adopt a threatening tone, falsely claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and alleging legal action against the receiver for unpaid taxes. This type of scam, often referred to as 'tax fraud scam' or 'government impersonation scam,' is designed to instill fear in the recipient to elicit a response.
User Reports Overview
Analysis of user reports from as early as May 2015 highlights a concerning trend: individuals receive calls from 02 6152 8697 / 0261528697 at various times, mainly featuring accents that suggest the callers may not be from Australia. Callers often threaten legal action, even mentioning arrest warrants while urging the recipients to return the call urgently. These tactics aim to create panic and prompt hasty actions from unsuspecting individuals.
Characteristics of This Scam
- Impersonation: Callers claim to be representatives of the ATO.
- Urgency: Calls are laden with statements claiming immediate legal actions are underway.
- Threats: Victims are often threatened with legal consequences if they do not comply.
- Foreign Accents: Many reports indicate that the callers have strong Indian accents.
How to Respond to Calls from 02 6152 8697
If you receive a call from 02 6152 8697 / 0261528697, it is crucial to stay calm and not engage with the caller. Here are some steps you can take:
- Do Not Return the Call: Contacting the number could lead to further harassment.
- Verify with Authorities: If you believe the call may hold validity, reach out directly to the ATO through official means to confirm.
- Report the Number: Notify the relevant authorities about the scam. In Australia, you can report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
- Use Reverseau: Consider using a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia tool to check the caller's identity.
A Final Note
Scam numbers like 02 6152 8697 / 0261528697 are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but being alert and knowing how to handle such calls can keep you from becoming a victim. Always prioritise safety and verification over panic when faced with unsolicited phone inquiries.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Scam number - on behalf of "ATO" sueing for fraudulent tax returns! Female voice - Beware of this number and IGNORE.
Lady with very strong Indian accent called and left a message on my home phone landline without naming who the message was addressed to. Said she was from ATO and the matter was about the unnamed persons tax returns and a pending law suit and a warrant against the unnamed person. Said it was very important that I call her back as soon as possible and not to ignore the call and gave their number 3 times. I think that this is a scam number.
Spam call saying that there is a legal lawsuit against me from the AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE.
My elderly mother was threaten with legal action due to alleged incorrect tax returns over a number of years. Was badgered for over half an hour by a tag team of foreign sounding blokes.
Lady with very strong accent called and left a message. Said she was from ATO and something about my tax and a law suit and a warrant against me. Said it was very important that I call her back as soon as possible and gave me this number 3 times.
Indian woman who has Phoned several times today, leaves a message citing she is from the ATO and to call her back. It's a scam.
Same deal. Indian voice. ATO scam.
I received on 12/05 around 12.30pm a telephone call, the person sounded Indian, he claimed that he was from DPP and there was a legal action being taken against me. Shortly after, another call from 06 8546 9856 but left no message (I checked and the number does not exist in Australia, it seems to be an Indian info centre). Just to note, a spam email last night from a "UK bank" named Bartley, for not paying "my debt".
Yes, I received a similar call from the same number at 11 am AEST on 7.5.15.
Scam number left dodgy message saying they were from the DPP on behalf of the ATO. And they had an arrest warrant. Gentleman with an Indian accent. Also received same call yesterday from 02 61528699.