- Scam
- Suspicious
Beware of calls from 02 6172 0197, reported as a scam by numerous users claiming it impersonates the Australian Taxation Office. Learn how to handle such calls effectively and protect yourself.
Understanding the Threat: 02 6172 0197
The phone number 02 6172 0197 / 0261720197 has been repeatedly reported by users as a scam, primarily impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This number employs manipulative tactics to instil fear and extract personal information from unsuspecting individuals. Let’s delve into the nature of this scam and how you can protect yourself.
Nature of the Scam
Users have reported receiving robotic voicemail messages that claim a warrant for their arrest is pending due to unresolved tax issues. The messages often say consequences will be immediate unless the receiver returns the call. This impersonation of the ATO distracts victims from recognising it as a fraudulent attempt.
Characteristics of the Scam
- Calls are often made from a local Canberra number, creating a false sense of legitimacy.
- Voicemails are typically robotic and sound automated, warning victims of grave consequences such as arrest or legal action.
- Scammers often hang up abruptly when questioned, showing little regard for their claims.
- The tactics used include intimidation and authority appeals, a common method among fraudsters to panic the recipient into compliance.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6172 0197
If you receive a call from this number, or similar, here’s what you should do:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to calls or voicemails from this number.
- Verify Independently: If you suspect a legitimate inquiry from the ATO, contact them directly through official channels. The ATO never initiates contact via phone for sensitive tax matters.
- Report the Incident: Report the scam call to the local authorities or services like ScamWatch. This helps keep the community informed and aids in investigations.
- Spread Awareness: Share information about this scam with friends and family to protect others from potential fraud.
Final Thoughts
Scam calls like those from 02 6172 0197 / 0261720197 can be alarming and distressing. Awareness and informed responses are key to handling these situations effectively. Remember, the ATO will never threaten you over the phone, so staying vigilant and using resources like Reverseau for lookup and confirmation can enhance your security.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Got call from this number saying that I will me arrested if I don’t call them back, which I did, someone named Joy Morris talked and said I will be jailed for 5 years and have to pay 97.0000 dollars of panalty for miscalculating my tax money and for conducting an intentional fraud. I was talking to this so called tax officer and went straight to police station because I was going home from work, the police officer asked him about his detail, the scammer was confused and said he is now calling from Australian federal office, the police thretened him and asked him not to call in this number again, the scammer accused the police officer and said because of the local Australia police people like me (mentioning my name) will suffer now and my whole life will be ruined.... And then he hung up. Please be aware guys.
This number is not affiliated with Elringtons Law firm. It is a hoax.
This is a scam number that is sent in a text message threatening legal action. The guy that answered says he is from ASIO.
This number is a scam. A guy called saying he was from the investigation unit for the ato. I questioned him on this and he laughed and hung up. Do not fall for this.
My husband got a phone call from this number too my man got the phone call hour ago and said they sending police around to take him to jail if he don’t pay money to ato it’s a scam don’t panic people.
Received call from Canberra, ACT from the number 0261720197. First a ROBOCALL message saying There is a warrant of arrest if I do not call back regarding my taxes and the number was from ATO. I called back, and a guy answered"ATO, how may I help you", I stated I received a call, asked for my name, so he could search my file, the asked for Post Code, I asked his name, and said Allan, had an Australian accent, I asked why was being charged and when I have followed the rules, and I asked him that his background noise is too loud I could not hear him (was alot of voice chattering like a call center/loud office) then phone hung up. I tried calling back but no answer. I searched online and realized its a scam. I reported to police and advised to report to scam watch which I have and here as these scam calls are getting more evil.
It's a SCAM.. A guy has just called me saying he is from ATO.
Beware of this number!!
Same here. Don't answer or call back.
Beware ATO scammers, ATO never ever calls you !!
I also received a robotic voice from this in regards to a tax default and I needed to call them urgently. Is a Scam.
Missed a call from 02 6172 0197 Canberra, ACT. I called back and a guy answered with an American accent and said “ you have reached Australian Taxation Office, how can I help you?”. When I told him I had a missed call from this number, he just hung up!!!
Maybe the police need to look into this.
A scam call, says a law suit will be filed against you and if you don’t call back a warrant will be out for your arrest. Sounds like they’re not real switched on when it comes to how the law works. The only ones with a warrant on their heads will be these losers.
Scammer called me from 0261720197 and advised she is calling from ATO and asked my first and last name. I started asking her first and last name and she hung up.
This number has just called - Robotic voice from The Tax office to say I am going to be arrested - Its obviously a scam.
02 61720197.
Scam call, left robotic voice message that I would be issued an arrest warrant if I don't call.
It’s a scam, I called them back they say they are calling for the taxation office when I questioned them they hanged up.
This is a scam caller. Robotic voicemail was left telling me to call back or I would be immediately arrested. The caller’s English lacked coherency.