02 8518 1265 - Scam Alert: Australian Tax Office Impersonation

3-min Read10 Reports

  • Scam
  • Suspicious

Have you received a call from 02 8518 1265? This number has been reported as a scam. Learn about this impersonation scam and get tips on how to respond to calls from it.

02 8518 1265 / 0285181265 - An Impersonation Scam to Avoid

If you’ve received a call from 02 8518 1265 / 0285181265, you’re not alone. Many Australians have reported this number as part of a concerning impersonation scam claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The callers often threaten legal action, including arrest, which can understandably cause panic among recipients.

Understanding the Scam

This specific scam operates by targeting individuals through alarming recorded messages or texts that suggest they owe taxes or have committed tax fraud. Callers frequently use intimidation tactics, claiming that individuals need to respond immediately to avoid severe consequences such as arrest or legal troubles.

User Experiences

Reviews indicate a consistent pattern in the reports received about this number. Users reported receiving threatening messages stating that they were about to be arrested due to unpaid taxes or other legal complications. Common themes among the reviews include:

  • Impersonation of the ATO with threats of arrest.
  • Requests for immediate callback to prevent legal action.
  • Use of withheld or private numbers to make recipients feel trapped and prompt them to call back the numbered line.

How to Handle Such Calls

It's crucial to remain calm and approach any similar calls with a healthy dose of scepticism. Here are some steps to take:

  • Don't Engage: If you receive a call or an automated message that sounds suspicious, do not engage with the caller. Hang up immediately.
  • Verify: If you suspect a scam, always verify the information with the official ATO website or by contacting ATO directly using registered contact details.
  • Report: Report the number and the details of the scam to the relevant authorities, including ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) and Scamwatch.

Conclusion

02 8518 1265 / 0285181265 is undoubtedly associated with fraudulent activities designed to scare individuals into giving personal information or funds. If you want peace of mind and protection against such scams, consider using services like Reverseau for a reliable reverse phone lookup in Australia. Always stay informed and vigilant, knowing that if something sounds too alarming to be true, it probably is.


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Ratings Distribution

1.2 out of 5
5 Stars 0%
4 Stars 0%
3 Stars 10%
2 Stars 0%
1 Star 90%

What Our Users Reviewed

A
Aguila

Some random automated message from an Indian/Pakistan sounding guy telling me I have a warrant issues for my arrest for tax evasion and to call this number back and get a lawyer. I know I have the most boring tax return on the planet and so clearly a scam, but other older people might fall for it!

B
Behringer

Received a message today, came up as 0300132861 requesting to ring 0285181265, all kinds of goodies like you will be arrested and so on, when I have talked to these kinds of people in the past I have said to them 'why don't you get a real job instead of ring up people trying to steal their money, I was hung up, they are not used to people telling them the facts of life.

B
Born

Total Scam! Private number called with auto message saying they will take legal action. Called the number & asked if it was a scam they told me not to ever ring again.

F
Fitton

Hoax call re: tax matters, seeking money transfer, threatening legal action.

H
Hover

Similar to others, over the past 5-6 days I've had a text from this number and a call from an automated service private number, suggesting that it is the tax office calling and I am to be arrested regarding tax fraud and evasion if I don't call this number. Also stated that my house is being kept under surveillance. Very annoying.

H
Hartford

I got a voice message telling me that number to avoid legal action for days of absence honestly this is weird.

M
Mac

Also got a call from this number. It has to be a scam because we already have a small debt with the ATO that we are repaying and they have our mobile numbers. We also receive the occasional written letter. Obviously this is a new scam.

K
Koenig

Got a call from this number today saying I was about to be arrested and to contact them so they can stop it!

C
Chase

Scammer saying that I will be arrested due to documentation not received unless I call them back on this number. No names (Including my own) were mentioned in the message.

Actual call came from a withheld number but this number was quoted in the message they left.

E
Eickhoff

Recorded phone call purporting to be from the Australian Tax Office and threatening arrest due to unpaid taxes. This phone number was left as a call back number to avoid the arrest.


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