02 8551 4497: Scam Caller Impersonating ATO and PayPal

• Spam
• Scam

Beware of calls from 02 8551 4497! Users report this number as a scammer impersonating both the ATO and PayPal. Learn how to handle these unwelcome calls effectively.

Understanding the Nature of Calls from 02 8551 4497

If you've received a call from 02 8551 4497 / 0285514497, it's important to be cautious. According to recent user reports, this number is associated with suspicious activity, primarily impersonating legitimate organisations such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and PayPal. Let's delve deeper into these reports to categorise this number correctly and advise you on how to handle such calls.

Classification: Scam Alerts

Users have reported receiving calls from this number stating that they are calling on behalf of the ATO regarding tax refunds. Notably, the information used in these calls appears to be obtained from a historical breach linked to Medibank Private, dating over 10 years back. Here’s a summary of the findings:

• Two distinct claims were made, with one caller posing as the ATO mentioning refunds.
• Both calls contained outdated personal information, likely leveraged from data breaches.
• Calls also claimed to represent PayPal, which turned out to be another attempt at scamming victims.

Given the evidence presented by users, it is clear that 02 8551 4497 / 0285514497 is not a legitimate contact but rather a perpetrator trying to swindle unsuspecting individuals, either by fishing for personal information or by promoting fraudulent schemes.

How to Handle Calls from 02 8551 4497

If you receive a call from this number, it’s advisable not to engage with the caller. Here are some steps you can take:

• Do not share personal information: Avoid divulging details about your financial status, bank accounts, or identification.
• Hang up immediately: If you suspect the call is fraudulent, it’s best to end the conversation.
• Report the number: Consider reporting this number to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) or through Reverseau for further tracking and prevention.
• Stay informed: Regularly check resources like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to see if others have reported similar experiences.

Remember, legitimate organisations such as the ATO or PayPal will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Keeping this in mind will help protect you from falling victim to such scams. If in doubt, always verify through official channels.