02 8091 7816: Scam Call Pretending to Be the ATO

• Scam

The number 02 8091 7816 has been reported as a scam, impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Learn how to handle calls from this number and protect your personal information.

Understanding the Scam Behind 02 8091 7816

The phone number 02 8091 7816 / 0280917816 has raised significant alarm among users, being consistently reported as a scam perpetrating as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). With various complaints detailing a similar con, it's critical to decode the nature of this scam and how to respond effectively.

The Nature of the Scam

This number has repeatedly been associated with a scam that falsely claims the recipient is involved in tax evasion. Callers often use an automated voice to threaten consequences such as arrest warrants due to alleged unpaid taxes, pressuring individuals into revealing sensitive personal information such as Tax File Numbers (TFNs) and bank details. The common narrative experts in this scam employ includes phrases like "You have a warrant for your arrest" and claims of "avoiding taxes" – clearly intended to instil fear and urgency in the target.

How Users are Affected

Across multiple reports, victims have shared experiences of receiving calls claiming there are issues related to unopened mail suggesting tax fraud. The automated nature of the calls, coupled with fabricated legal threats, has left many feeling confused and frightened, without clarity on how to counteract such aggressive tactics.

Recognising Scam Calls

So how can one identify a scam call like the one from 02 8091 7816? Here are some red flags to consider:

• Use of aggressive language or threats related to legal action.
• Requests for sensitive personal information or financial details.
• Automated messages that lack personalization.
• Unusual and unsolicited requests regarding tax obligations.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from This Number

If you receive a call from 02 8091 7816 / 0280917816 or a similar number, here are some steps you can take:

• Do not engage with the caller or provide any personal information.
• Hang up and block the number on your phone.
• Report the call to the relevant authorities such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the ATO.
• Utilise Reverseau for phone number lookups to gather more information about who called you.

Across Australia, increasing awareness of such scams can help in protecting citizens from falling victim to tactics designed to exploit fear and urgency. Always remember, the ATO will never ask for sensitive information over the phone, and it is entirely appropriate to verify any communication through official channels.