- Suspicious
- Scam
- Spam
- Uncertain
Stay vigilant with 02 6188 5661, a number reported as part of a scam involving fake tax evasion threats. Discover how to avoid falling victim and manage unsolicited calls from this number.
Understanding the Threat of 02 6188 5661
The phone number 02 6188 5661 / 0261885661 has been reported by numerous users as a source of scam calls, primarily targeting individuals under the pretext of tax-related issues. Callers, often using American accents, claim to represent the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and threaten legal action or arrest for supposed tax evasion.
Identifying the Scam
Reports highlight a common pattern where the caller leaves automated messages stressing immediate action is required. Victims are told that they or their lawyers must return the call to avoid dire consequences, including arrest. The claims made by these callers lack credibility for several reasons:
- Unofficial Communication: The ATO will seldom contact individuals by phone. Their standard method includes official letters or secure online communications.
- Use of Local Numbers: Genuine ATO communications will employ specific prefixes, usually starting with 13 or 1800.
- Threatening Behaviour: The intimidating tone of the calls is a typical tactic used by scammers to induce fear among unsuspecting individuals, particularly the elderly.
What Users Are Saying
Feedback from victims consistently notes the similarly structured messages and eerie insistence on returning the call to avoid arrest. Reviews mention multiple attempts to contact individuals, especially concerning with elderly victims receiving repeated calls, raising the alarm of potential exploitation.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6188 5661
You should take several proactive steps if you receive a call from this number or any similar suspicious numbers:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid returning calls or providing any personal information to these scammers.
- Document the Call: Note down the details such as date, time, and the claims made during the call.
- Report the Incident: Notify your local police or report to Scamwatch to help prevent further scams.
- Block the Number: Use your phone's contact blocking feature to prevent future calls from this number.
To stay informed, consider using Reverseau for a reliable Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service, helping you identify the origins of unknown calls. Remember, if you ever question the legitimacy of a call, consider researching or checking 'Who Called Me Australia' for assistance.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6188 5661!
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What Our Users Reviewed
I received the same call tried to say I had evaded taxes, I didn't even have a job...... Disgusting, he should be caught and dealt with. His ph no.03 87517055.
I received a phone call from 02 6188 5661 about tax evasion. Called back and spoke to a guy, who certainly had his story together. He identified himself as Kevin Sosa, gave his ID# as 908942 and my case ID # as SC4212RC. He said that he was from the Audit Dept from the ATO and that I was going to get a call from the police within half an hour and they would seize my passport and take me to court.
This number has been continually calling my grandparents from the ato... I rang back he was so rude!
Year another scam call alluding to be from the ATO. Guess we're all going to prison!
What is being done about this???????????????????
I knew the minute he started speaking that this was a scam. Disgusting that they haven't been caught yet.
Got phone call 9.31am have caller id number 02 6188 5661 with overseas came up. They left message telling me or solicitor to call them back. It was American accent. Another call 12.52pm Private number came up. Guy told me he was from ATO and I owed money, told him good luck as I owe nobody anything. He told me I would be getting a phone call from local police, told him already had one this morning from overseas good luck getting anything. He hung up.02 is NSW I live in 03 Victoria so how can it be local police.
This guy should be stopped.
Got the call today on my answering machine for 02 6188 5663 (one number different).
First: ATO will almost NEVER call you.
Second: They will ONLY leave a 13 xx xx number.
Third: I rang the number, got the badge number and name of the person, then reported it all to ATO.
Confirmed with ATO it is a SCAM.
My elderly mother just received a call from the same number (twice).9.47am and 12.10pm.
My elderly mother just received a call from the same number (twice).9.47am and 12.10pm. In the similar vein as listed in the complaint above.
Automated message advising they are the ATO and for us or our lawyers to call before we get arrested. Total scum bags.
We just received the exact same call left on our answering machine. An American man saying we would get arrested by our local police for treachery if we didn't ring back. Obviously a scam.
We also had a call left on the answering machine at the parents place which said that exact speil above. It was at 232pm tuesday the 23rd august. We did not call it back as I researched it cause it did not sound right. Thanks for the above info!!!
Just received an answerphone message from an american man saying: Before the case gets registered with the commonwealth court regarding details of your treachery and you get arrested by the local police department, we want you or your lawyer to contact us back on 0261885661.
THIS IS A SCAM = the same man rang me last friday and demanded to know my name and details. I refused to give him this information instead I demanded to know his details. He refused. This went on for several minutes before he finally spat out that his name was Officer White. When I advised him that I would be lodging a complaint with our local law enforcement/telephone service provider he hung up.