- Suspicious
- Scam
The number 02 8518 1251 has been reported as a scam, particularly linked to false claims of tax evasion. If you receive a call from this number, learn how to handle it safely and avoid falling victim to these fraudulent tactics.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 8518 1251
Recently, the phone number 02 8518 1251 / 0285181251 has come under scrutiny as a notorious scam contact, with numerous reports flooding in from concerned Australians. Users describe receiving automated calls suggesting they have been blacklisted for tax evasion, a classic tactic employed by scammers to instil fear and urgency.
Identifying the Tax Evasion Scam
From the collective reviews, it's clear that the calls from this number have been marked by a striking similarity. Individuals have reported receiving voice messages, often from a female voice with a vague accent, which allude to actions taken by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) but fail to provide any specific details or identification. The messages invoke panic with claims of tax evasion and the looming threat of arrest, utilizing phrases like "you have been blacklisted" and other intimidating statements.
Why this is Classified as a Scam
The lack of identifiable information or a legitimate case reference number makes these calls suspicious. Legitimate communications from the ATO would always contain official identification, including case numbers and specific details relevant to the individual. Scammers, on the other hand, leverage fear and ambiguity to manipulate their victims, which is exactly what we've seen with 02 8518 1251 / 0285181251.
How to Handle Calls from 02 8518 1251
- Do not engage: If you receive a call from this number, do not engage with the caller.
- Do not provide any personal information: Legitimate agencies will not ask for sensitive information over the phone in this manner.
- Hang up: If the call seems suspicious, simply hang up and block the number.
- Report the number: Consider reporting this number to local authorities and the ATO to help curb the scam.
- Trust your instincts: If a call feels 'off', it probably is; using services like Reverseau can help verify unknown numbers.
Final Thoughts
As tax season approaches, be vigilant about potential scams like the one linked to the number 02 8518 1251 / 0285181251. Ignoring calls from suspicious numbers and relying on reputable channels for your tax matters is the wisest course of action. Should you encounter anyone soliciting payments or information under similar pretenses, report it through the proper channels to protect yourself and others in the community.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Why does the government allow our telcos to give out OZ numbers to overseas scammers? If they were really located in OZ then they could be tracked and charged.
Received one voicemail and one call both with an automated message saying it was the 'tax office' and I had been blacklisted etc. etc. For corrupt tax information.
It must be a scam. The ATO would give you a case reference number if it was legit.
It's a scam just ignore them or tell them you have called the federal police with there details and they quickly hang up. Don't be fooled.
Received two calls today just like the other comments.
Same as above - long voicemail message to call back. Not directly saying which organisation was calling, but implying ATO.
Sorry previous comment.. Left out an 8 - 02 8518 1251.
At 12:30pm 5/8/2016 (W.A).
Just got off phone with this number.02 851 1251.
Much the same as others. These guys had a lot of accurate sounding information but then began negotiating amounts and were detailing how to go to Woolworths or Kmart for a EFTPS to transfer money to avoid being arrested under a warrant for tax evasion. DOn't BE FOOLED!
Call the ATO if you are worried.
I got this same call doesn't even say who its for so such a scam.
A criminal scam from an overseas private number called me attempting to frighten me into calling this number about unpaid taxes. Message left on answering machine female voice with a vague British accent. Date 5/8/16.
I also received an automated call claiming I had evaded tax, get a life you arseholes.
Called and left a message asking me to call back - saying that I have been blacklisted for tax evasion - load of crap - scam.