02 8006 6844: Scam Alert - Phishing Attempt Pretending to Be the ATO

• Scam
• Suspicious

02 8006 6844 has been reported as a scam number claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office. Discover how to handle calls from this number and protect yourself from potential phishing attempts.

Understanding the Threat of 02 8006 6844: A Phishing Scam

The number 02 8006 6844 / 0280066844 has raised eyebrows and alarm amongst Australian phone users after multiple reports indicate it is connected to a phishing scam masquerading as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This type of scam is not just an annoyingly disruptive telemarketer, but rather a serious threat that could lead to identity theft and financial loss.

User Experiences and Classifying the Call

According to user experiences from 20 February 2019, individuals reported missed calls from this number without any follow-up voice messages. Upon calling back, they encountered a disconcerting situation: an automated message that claimed to represent the ATO. Consequently, the involved parties expressed feeling uneasy, suspecting this interaction to be part of a broader scam strategy.

One anonymous user noted that a voicemail was received which was generated by a text-to-speech program, further adding to the doubts surrounding the legitimacy of this call. This is a common tactic used by scammers—employing automated systems to intimidate potential victims into swift action, often claiming dire consequences should the victim fail to respond.

Classifying 02 8006 6844

Given the user reports and the characteristics of the interaction, 02 8006 6844 / 0280066844 can be definitively classified as a scam number. The primary intention appears to be phishing—soliciting sensitive personal information under the guise of urgency related to tax obligations.

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Do not engage further with the number if you receive a call from it. Avoid calling it back as it can lead to additional scams.
• Report the number through official channels such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the ATO directly. This can help others be aware of potential scams.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup Australia tools to verify unknown numbers and find additional context on their legitimacy.
• If you receive communications such as texts or voicemails claiming to be from the ATO, verify directly with the ATO through your MyGov account or official contact lines.

As always, remain vigilant when dealing with unknown numbers. Scammers are increasingly creative, making it more important than ever to utilise resources such as Reverseau and conduct your own checks on what could potentially be malicious calls.