- Scam
Have you received a call from 02 6176 0928? Many users report it as a scam involving a fake ATO debt collector. Find out how to handle calls from this number safely.
Identifying the Caller: 02 6176 0928
The phone number 02 6176 0928 / 0261760928 has been reported by numerous users as a clear scam operation, focusing on the impersonation of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This number is associated with a robotic voice claiming to be 'Mr John Cooper' from the ATO Audit Office. It is crucial to be aware that this is a fraudulent call attempting to manipulate individuals into disclosing personal information or securing immediate payments under the threat of legal action.
Classifying the Call: Tax Scam Explanation
Many users highlighted the characteristics of the calls they received, describing a similar script delivered by the robotic voice. Here are some common red flags:
- Impersonation: The name 'Mr John Cooper' is consistently cited, attempting to lend a semblance of authority to the call.
- Threats: Callers often indicate urgent action is needed to avoid severe consequences, including legal actions and arrest—an intimidation tactic designed to provoke fear.
- Lack of Verification: Sustained requests for personal information without any authentic mail correspondence or verification through official ATO channels is a hallmark of scams.
Handling Calls from 02 6176 0928
If you receive a call from this number, here’s how to handle it safely:
- Do Not Engage: Refrain from providing any personal information, including your tax file number or credit card details.
- Verify: Contact the Australian Taxation Office directly through their official contact numbers to confirm any claims made in the call.
- Report the Number: Document the incident and report the caller to local authorities or through platforms that track scam calls.
- Awareness: Share your experience with family and friends to help prevent them from falling victim to the same scam.
Conclusion
In summary, be vigilant if you encounter calls from 02 6176 0928 / 0261760928. Scammers use fear as a weapon, but with the right knowledge and awareness, you can protect yourself from falling for their deceitful tactics. For those looking to find who's called, methods such as a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can assist in tracing such deceptive numbers.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6176 0928!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Had exactly the same call today. Same muffled recorded voice with the same information. Was very concerned at first thinking I had done something wrong.
Hope the cops do get this guy - he's a menace.
Also received this robotic/computerised message left on my answering machine regarding a tax audit. This is John Cooper from some tax bureau(very muffled).... Like everyone else the voice stated not to disregard the message as it was important regarding taxation investigation.... Also that all efforts to contact me had been exhausted.
I've received no mail, phone calls or anything else regarding this issue and after contacting my accountant was advised to ignore it.
Received the same message from this guy John Cooper saying to call urgently re tax issues. When I called back he stated that he is from federal investigation team for tax department or something like this and he is the lawyer calling re ATO audit and that we have to pay immediately by credit card the penalty amount in few thousand dollars otherwise I am going to be in a trouble as they are opening the legal case and the police will come to arrest me tonight. But he refused to send me anything in writing.
Going to report it to the police.
Got the same message from this guy John Cooper saying the same thing as others reported. Tried to call him several times. Finally got through him. Questioned him as to why no tax payer's name being left in the message. He requested to provide him the phone no again so that he can take out the file. Told him that if it is from ATO please send the official letter to the taxpayer re the audit.
Scam about being audit from Taxation Office.
We also received same message from this guy John Cooper. It is 100% scam as I am an Accountant and knows all about tax debt etc.
I am confident he will be caught very soon.
We had the same call to our office number, same voice recording from "Mr John Cooper".
Hope they catch this scammer.
This number has called twice in the past week with a computer modified / robotic voice claiming they were from the ATO Audit Office. The robotic voice says his name is Mr John Cooper and states that all efforts to contact you have been exhausted and not to disregard this message, as it is time sensitive in relation to a supposed tax debt. Obviously a scam.