- Scam
- Suspicious
Numerous users have reported the number 02 8310 4844 as a suspicious caller impersonating the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Learn how to handle calls from this number and protect yourself from scams.
Identifying the Caller: The Rise of ATO Impersonation Scams
The phone number 02 8310 4844 is garnering attention for all the wrong reasons. Categorised as a suspicious caller, it has drawn reports from Australian citizens warning of a potential scam, with claims that the caller is impersonating the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
The Nature of the Scam
Users have noted that the callers tend to use high-pressure tactics, often stating that the recipient has an outstanding tax liability or is facing legal action. They may provide names, such as "Ryan Willson," to give their calls an air of legitimacy. However, these names and claims are likely fabricated to scare individuals into responding quickly without verifying the situation.
Common Themes in Reports
- Claims of owing large sums (often quoting numbers like $9990).
- Urgency, suggesting immediate action is required to avoid legal repercussions.
- Failure to provide validation of identity or specific details, like a Tax File Number.
How to Handle Suspicious Calls
If you receive a call from 02 8310 4844, it's crucial to remain calm and cautious:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Legitimate organisations will not ask for sensitive details over the phone.
- Hang Up and Verify: If you suspect a scam, end the call and directly contact the ATO using verified contact information.
- Report the Call: Consider reporting the number to the ATO or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). This can help prevent the scam from affecting others.
Conclusion
Scams like the one purportedly being conducted from 02 8310 4844 are becoming increasingly common. By performing a quick reverse phone lookup in Australia before responding to unknown calls, you can protect yourself from potential fraud. Remember, if it sounds too alarming to be true, it probably is!
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8310 4844!
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What Our Users Reviewed
I received a missed call from the above number stating that I needed to call back urgently and to not ignore this message. So I called back and was told that the ATO was taking legal action against me I asked for what and he said unpaid tax on fraudulent claims I asked him what he was talking about and he said claims over the last 10 years as I haven't worked or paid tax I found it hard to believe I told him that and he hung up I rang the ATO they said they have been getting a lot of calls about this and they are looking into it.
Had a message from this number on my land line saying it is from ATO and that my lawyer or I should return the call ASAP. And also if I ignore this call then ATO will come hard on me.
Just had a missed call from this number, claiming to be the ato regarding tax fraud when we returned the call they answered and my partner asked if it was the ato to which they said hangon!! Clearly a scam !!! Beware!!!
A creepy female recorded voice rang my landline (silent number) saying she was from the ATO and that I or my lawyer needed to call the above number back immediately and not to ignore the warning as there was a tax issue outstanding.
Just came home to find a message on my home phone saying they are taking legal action and to call back immediately with this issue. I find this extremely suspicious and could hardly understand them.. How do we make this stop!!!!
I have just received (12/5/2015)supposedly a call on my mobile phone from the Tax office stating 'this is a mater for Joy relating to a law suit against you and your husband" "call before we take legal action against you" this is officer Ryan ??????? couldn't make out the surname.
Number to call 02 83104888.
I had a call from this number (male caller) claiming to be the ATO (Australian Tax Office). he stated that I had an action against me for an outstanding tax liability of $9990. Asked me if I had an attorney and asked if I had been briefed on this matter.
I asked for details he stated sect 49C (I assume of the Income Tax Act ??).
I asked him to quote to me my Tax File Number. Stated he could not do this.. Privacy issues. I asked him to give him the first 3 digits of the file number. Same response. I continued to challenge him and asked for his name. He quoted Ryan Willson (with a double l). Eventually he hung up.
I rang the number and it was answered as the ATO.
I checked with my accountant following the call. The are no ATO actions.