- Scam
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Beware of calls from 02 6176 1800, which users have reported as a scam. This number impersonates the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and claims a lawsuit has been filed against you. Learn how to manage these unwanted calls effectively.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6176 1800
The phone number 02 6176 1800 / 0261761800 has been flagged as a scam by numerous users across Australia. The callers, masquerading as officials from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), leverage fear tactics by claiming that a lawsuit has been filed against the recipient. This style of deception falls into a category well-known for exploiting the unsuspecting in what we commonly refer to as phishing scams.
A Breakdown of the Reports
Reports from individuals reveal a consistent theme: callers introduce themselves—often using the generic name "Matthew Clarke" or similar variants—claiming to represent the ATO. Many accounts describe a flat, robotic voice reading a script replete with mistruths designed to incite panic. The automated nature of the calls, combined with the vague wording about lawsuits, signifies the lack of authenticity behind these claims. Flags such as poor accents, highlighted by an unusual emphasis on urgency—as expressed in phrases like "do not disregard this message"—are telltale signs of a scam.
Why it's Important to Recognise This Scam
- Financial Risk: Many callers report an implied threat that recipients must settle debts immediately, which may lead vulnerable individuals to reveal personal information or even send money.
- Emotional Manipulation: The psychological pressure of potential legal action can provoke fear, making it more likely for individuals to comply with demands without verification.
How to Deal with Suspected Scam Calls
Receiving a call from 02 6176 1800 / 0261761800 can feel unsettling. Here's how to navigate these situations:
- Do Not Engage: If you receive such a call, it is advisable not to interact with the caller. Engaging can confirm your number as active and potentially invite further harassment.
- Block the Number: Use your phone's features to block this number. This can prevent additional unsolicited calls from the same source.
- Report the Call: Notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) about the scam calls. Your report can aid in tracking down these fraudulent operations.
- Verify Claims Independently: If a call concerning your taxes feels legitimate, hang up and independently contact the ATO using verified contact details from their official website.
Conclusion
In summary, 02 6176 1800 / 0261761800 should not be treated as a legitimate source. The phishing exercise that it embodies is nothing short of a nuisance leading to broader fraudulent activities. By fostering awareness regarding such scams, we empower ourselves and our communities, making it that much harder for scammers to succeed. If you're seeking reputable information regarding who called, consider utilizing a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service to gather necessary insights.
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What Our Users Reviewed
I received this too, was a bit spooky. Sounds almost like an automated computer voice. Voice says he is 'Matthew Clarke' from the ATO, and there's a lawsuit filed under your name (doesn't tell you your name). "Don't try to disregard this message." The voicemail started in a cut off manner. Block the number - creepy stuff.
SCAMMER/FRAUDSTER. Two nuisance calls in one day both ended up on voicemail. Phrase is read out by some sort of text-to-speech engine in an American accent claiming to be an Australian Taxation officer. Well clearly this is an auto-dialer as ATO doesn't cold call. Another clue is when it gets voicemail the first bit gets cut off before recording starts, so I ended up with, "....Officer from the ATO and the hotline to my division is 0261 761 800. Don't try to ignore this message. The reason behind this message is to inform you about a lawsuit that has been filed against your name. So give me a call as soon as possible. Goodbye and take care". Any legit taxation matter would be presented in letter form or in person.
Got a scam call from someone claiming to be from Michael Badger's office in the ATO investigations unit. The ATO is filing a lawsuit against me, and did I have a lawyer to represent me. I questioned him for a few minutes before the line "conveniently" cut out on his end. What really concerned me is that he had my full name associated with my mobile number. I didn't think to try and see what other info he had about me, but concerning especially as when I reported it to the ATO and lodged a scam report, it became clear from what she was saying that his script was trying to make it sound like he was as legit as possible... (the mentioning a specific ATO officers name - though I noted he didn't give me his name - the sounding surprised when I said I hadn't got any letters about this lawsuit, the attempts to explain what the lawsuit was about - at which point the call conveniently cut out, in hindsight I'm guessing I was asking too many detailed questions, easier to go after a target that doesn't want as much info perhaps)....anyway, a good reminder to never give out any personal details over the phone until you've confirmed the call is legitimate. In the case of the ATO and any other public organisation, best to take their name and number to call back, confirm they are legit before you call back and give any info.
Same message apparently from the ATO called them back to ask a few questions they hung up on me so called again same guy told me he hadn't spoke to me asked him a few questiins same thing he hung up as well cannot stand the pricks.
Same thing. Voicemail about a lawsuit and 'take care'.
I just got the call too with exactly the same message. ridiculous!
I received a call from this number and let it go to voice mail. A guy with a very thick foreign accent (maybe Malaysian?) says, "the second you receive this message I need you to return my call. My name is Officer Matthew Clarke from the Australian Taxation Office and the hotline to my division is 0261 761 800. Don't try to ignore this message. The reason behind this message is to inform you about a lawsuit that has been filed on your name. So give us a call back as soon as possible. Goodbye and take care".
Needless to say, I did not this a-hole back! What a joke. Total scam.
ATO scam. Message left by a guy with a foreign accent (not computer generated). Just block and forget. DON'T call them back since it just makes your number more interesting to this scum and also gives them a chance to record your voice.
Received a a call from +61 2 6176 1800 claiming to be from ATO investigation Unit.
I scolded the guy and hung on him.
Received a call from 02 6176 1800 number informing there was a law suit against me. How can these scrupulous persons get an Australian number?
Those scam call was all around Asia for last 2 years. People lost billions dollars for that, as they will tell you are in trouble with a lawsuit you have to send money to settle it.
From the 'ATO' - voice was weird telling me a lawsuit was filed against me! SCAM beware!!
I just got the same scam call. What is wrong with people!
This is a scam/phishing exercise. They will claim you are being sued...'do not disregard this message as you have a lawsuit against your name.' Evil people. Do disregard them.
Received a scam call from this number from someone with a fake accent, claiming to be from ATO, stating that there is a law suite against my name.
I just got 1 call from this number too, said he is something officer, TAX officer with American assent. He left message said "don't try to avoid the call" bla bla bla.
I also received a similar message claiming calling from ATO about a law suit against my name. I'm reporting it to ATO.
I got this same call today... Automated voice identifying themselves as Officer Matthew Clark from the ATO.
They are trying to get me to call back saying it is agent Matthews from the taxation office. This is a recorded message with a computer generated voice with a very bad accent. They say not to disregard the message since there has been a lawsuit against me... The taxation office would ask to verify your identity before leaving any recorded messages. I think it is fake.
Same and I believe this is a scam phone call.
This number is making spam phone calls stating a lawsuit has been filed against the person to whom the call has been made.