02 6172 0929 - ATO Tax Scam Alert

• Scam

Beware of calls from 02 6172 0929. This number has been reported as a scam claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Discover how to handle these fraudulent calls effectively.

Identifying the Scam Behind 02 6172 0929

Recently, the phone number 02 6172 0929 has come under scrutiny owing to numerous user reports labelling it as a scam. Individuals have reported receiving calls claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), warning them about tax audits or outstanding invoices. This article aims to shed light on the nature of these calls and how to protect yourself.

Understanding the Nature of the Scam

The overwhelming consensus among users is that calls coming from 02 6172 0929 are not legitimate. Several reports dated back to September 2015 reveal consistent patterns:

• Impersonation: The caller often identifies himself as 'John Cooper' from the ATO, indicating a fraudulent attempt to convince recipients of the authenticity of their claim.
• Urgency and Threats: Messages left by the callers commonly convey an urgent need for the recipient to return the call regarding a supposed tax audit, inducing fear and anxiety to prompt quicker responses.
• Disinformation: Many users received messages indicating that they owe money to the ATO, which have proven to be false after verifying details with the official Australian ATO contact number, 13 28 65.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

If you receive a call from 02 6172 0929, here are steps you should take:

• Do Not Engage: Avoid answering or returning calls from this number. Engaging can lead to further harassment or an escalation of the scam.
• Verify Independently: If you have concerns regarding your taxes, contact the ATO directly using verified numbers available on their official website.
• Report the Scam: You can report the number to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help combat these scams.

Conclusion

In summary, 02 6172 0929 is widely recognised as a scam number linked to fraudulent ATO claims. Users are urged to be vigilant and informed. If you have received a call from this number, use Reverseau’s Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service to check the legitimacy of phone numbers and protect yourself from potential scams. Always remember, if a call seems suspicious, it's better to err on the side of caution.