- Scam
Beware of 02 8880 0490 – a phone number associated with scam calls claiming threats of arrest for tax avoidance. Learn how to handle calls from this number.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 8880 0490
The phone number 02 8880 0490 / 0288800490 has been reported by numerous Australians as a source of fraudulent calls. Users have received threatening messages claiming that they are involved in tax fraud, with ominous warnings of arrest if they do not return the call. This clear pattern categorizes this number as a scam.
Details of the Scam
Reports indicate that callers typically adopt a stern tone and may use an Indian accent. They do not identify themselves as representatives of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), yet intimidate recipients by implying there are active warrants for their arrest due to tax evasion or avoidance schemes. This method, often referred to as a “tax fraud scam,” aims to instill fear in the recipient to manipulate them into returning the call.
What to Do If You Receive a Call From This Number
- Do Not Call Back: As many users have advised, do not engage with the caller. Calling back could lead to further harassment or personal information being compromised.
- Spread Awareness: Inform friends and family about this scam to ensure they do not fall victim to these tactics. Awareness is key to protecting others.
- Report to Authorities: If you receive a call from this number, report it to local authorities or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). They can provide further guidance and look into the issue.
Final Thoughts
Stay vigilant against phone scams like those originating from 02 8880 0490 / 0288800490. These thieves exploit fear and urgency to achieve their aims, but understanding the signs can help you safeguard yourself and your information. For further assistance, consider using resources like Reverseau or conducting a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to identify potential scam numbers.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8880 0490!
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What Our Users Reviewed
A friend of mine got a message left on her voice mail. A guy with an Indian accent (no mention of ATO)left a quite abrupt message telling her that she needed to ring this number back immediately to avoid a warrant for her arrest being issued. Naturally I warned her NOT to ring back. When I rang Police Link in QLD they were aware of the scam, and told me if they rang back just to hang up on them....don't even tell them to xxxxx off!
This phone number rang -(left message on answer machine) didn't give a name of the person they wanted to speak to .
Said not to ignore the call was regarding tax evasion and that before taking the issue up with the commonwealth and issuing a warrant out for the arrest they needed to urgently speak to me! Absolute scam !!
Voicemail left from this number saying they had received my 'legal complaint' regarding 'tax evasion and tax avoidance' return the callor they would issue a warrant for my arrest.
Its a scam, they rang my work phone and told me that there was a warrant out for my arrest for tax evasion, I hung up on them.
Also just got a call exact as above. Demand to call back under threat of arrest for tax avoidance.
Got a call from this number above. I believe it is a SCAM, do not call back.
India or? Caller claiming it is a legal matter, tax avoidance situtation, that they will take the matter further if you do not call back immediately. Otherwise they will take the matter further to the Commonwealth.
All very strange - especially as they do not say they are from the ATO which is very suspect as well.
Absolute scam - do not ring this number back.
Indian male advised that I had a warrant for arrest. Ordered me to call this number immediately.
Received a message on my answering machine. They very carefully did NOT say they were from the ATO, but claimed I was subject to arrest over a tax avoidance scheme and to ring back on 02 8880 0490 as soon as possible. This is a known scam, although this number is relatively new... DO NOT CALL BACK!
Left message to call 02 8880 0490 re. Tax fraud. Do not ignore under threat of arrest. To call back immediately.29/05/17 SCAM.