- Scam
- Suspicious
- Spam
Beware of calls from 02 8091 4661 claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office. This phishing scam threatens legal action and seeks personal information. Learn how to identify and handle such calls.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 8091 4661
The number 02 8091 4661 / 0280914661 has been widely reported by users as a source of distressing scam calls masquerading as legitimate communication from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Victims have received threats of legal action, with callers claiming to represent the ATO, urging recipients to provide personal information or risk immediate legal consequences.
How the Scam Operates
Reviews indicate that callers often introduce themselves with names like “Officer Mike Johnson” or “Officer Peter Roche,” adopting a tone of authority and aggression. The callers typically threaten legal action for supposed tax violations, insisting that failure to respond could lead to severe consequences, including arrest. This modus operandi is a common tactic used by scammers to instil fear and urgency in their victims, compelling them to comply.
Reported User Experiences
- Threatening Calls: Many users have reported receiving calls that intimidate them, asserting that legal action has already commenced.
- False Identity Claims: The individuals on the line have been noted to speak with accents suggesting they may not be from Australia, according to many reviewers.
- Pressure to Provide Personal Information: Callers have pressured victims into sharing sensitive personal information, which could be deleterious if given.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive a call from 02 8091 4661:
- Do Not Engage: Do not provide any personal or financial information to unknown callers.
- Verify the Source: Hang up and contact the ATO directly through verified channels to check if there are any legitimate queries regarding your tax status.
- Report the Scam: Report the call to the ATO and local authorities. Scams of this nature are taken seriously by law enforcement.
- Block the Number: You may wish to block the number to prevent further contact.
Conclusion
In summary, 02 8091 4661 / 0280914661 is a deceptive number associated with a serious scam scheme that aims to exploit individuals' fears of legal repercussions. Ensure you remain vigilant by keeping informed and reporting such attempts, and always engage with the ATO through verified channels if you have concerns.
For more information on identifying suspicious calls, consider using Reverseau for a thorough reverse phone lookup in Australia and to learn more about who called me Australia.
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What Our Users Reviewed
A person called our office today and he referred to himself as Officer Mike Johnson, threatening to take a legal action against us, our receptionist was shaking as he was very rude to her...
Obviously a scam. We had similar phone call few weeks ago, the caller had an Indian accent and he told us very much the same thing. We called the ATO and reported the call.
A message on my government work phone:
"This is message is directed to you. This is Officer Peter Roche, calling you from the Taxation Office. I want you to call me back as soon as possible as there is a lawsuit filed against you now. And, if you don't contact me within a couple of hours we will not be responsible for any kind of legal consequences, you may be facing in your future. The number where you can reach me is area code, (02) 8091 4661. Thank you.".
Its obviously a scam.
P.s. I have just finished speaking with an ATO CSR (Weds.3/6/15) and have raised report/feedback file and hopefully this scam will be updated to their website.
A voicemail message received today, Weds.3/6/2015:
"This is message is directed to you. This is Officer Peter Roche, calling you from the Taxation Office. I want you to call me back as soon as possible as there is a lawsuit filed against you now. And, if you don't contact me within a couple of hours we will not be responsible for any kind of legal consequences, you may be facing in your future. The number where you can reach me is area code, (02) 8091 4661. Thank you.".
I called the number and same voice but now his name is "Mike Johnson", Chief Investigation Officer from the Australian Taxation Office.
I pressed him for a name of who he was after and he refused. Of course, this was sounding dodgy and said I will need his title and a direct line so that I can call the ATO Head Office. He grudgingly gave (02) 96362808 (I think he just made this up on the spot as he was getting flustered!).
Definitely a Dodgy-arse character. SHUT THEM DOWN!
This is a scam - confirmed with ATO today (28 May.2015). They are even brazen enough to leave messages on voicemail.
Had the same call as above.. Calling for my wife at my place of work (we used to work at the same location) in QLD. This guy sounds like a complete douche.
I dodgy person call by the name of "Mike Johnson" from the "ATO" stating that he was going to arrest someone for fraud and was trying to get personal details. Do not give this person details as it is a scam.
This is a SCAM! Beware. Do not pass any details over to this fraudster. We received a call today that was intimidating and threatening from Mike Johnston apparently representing the ATO. He claimed that if payment wasn't received immediately our house and possessions would be ceased and to expect police on our door step. Has anyone filed a police report to catch this disgraceful character/s? What can be done to stop this?
Please be aware that Officer Mike Johnson with an Indian/Asian Accent called threatening to take legal action.
Please note it is an intended scam and is bogus. Provides fake license number 28081399. Tel 02-80914661.
I got a call from a lying little indian man claiming to be from the Australian Tax office and wanted me to call on 02 8091 4661. He threatened legal action against me.
If you call back block your number first as they cannot track your details. He got very irate when I would not provide my phone number, as I told him he should have my details already if he is the tax office. He then hung up. I tried to call back again and he hung up instantly.
Time we sent these indian fraudsters to jail. They are slimey, scamming individuals for preying on people.
We got the same call today apparently and the caller referred to himself as Officer Mike Johnson, threatening to take a legal action, is this Bogus??
This is a spam number... block.
I received a call today in my landline number from this phone apparently someone claiming fro Australian Taxation Office with a threatening message that they are taking a legal action and will send police to arrest me within 45 minutes. To obtain further details I was advised to call back this number.
My wife received same call at work saying from tax office and threatening to sue.
Had a call at our Office looking for a person who no longer works at our Clinic saying legal action is being taken against their name.
Am a registered tax agent. Client received a call today threatening legal action.
Has been reported to ATO who confirm it is bogus.
This number called our office saying they were from Australian Tax office and that we are being sued!