- Scam
- Spam
- Suspicious
The number 02 9099 1678 has been reported as a scam known for impersonating the ATO and threatening individuals with tax fraud. If you receive a call from this number, do not engage and follow the steps to report it.
Understanding the Threat from 02 9099 1678
The number 02 9099 1678 / 0290991678 is notorious among Australians for being associated with a tax fraud scam. Individuals who have encountered this number have reported aggressive tactics where the caller claims to represent the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Their primary goal appears to be instilling fear and collecting money through deceitful means.
The Scam Technique
Users describe receiving threatening voice messages that warn them about supposed legal troubles related to tax fraud. The callers, who are often identified by a noticeable Indian accent, claim that the recipient has been reported for tax violations and must take immediate action—often advising them to call the scam number back. This high-pressure tactic is designed to provoke anxiety and compel victims to respond without thinking it through.
Why This Number is Classified as a Scam
Based on numerous reports, the motives behind calls from 02 9099 1678 / 0290991678 are decidedly malicious:
- Impersonation of Official Entities: Callers falsely claim to represent governmental bodies like the ATO, using scare tactics to engage unsuspecting individuals.
- Financial Coercion: Many reports highlight attempts to obtain money from individuals, crossing into threats such as imminent arrest unless payment is made.
- Disregard for Honesty: Victims have reported that upon returning calls, they were met with aggressive inquiries demanding personal information, yet these callers became evasive when questioned.
Protecting Yourself Against Scams
For anyone who receives a call from 02 9099 1678 / 0290991678, the best course of action is clear:
- Do Not Engage: If you receive a call, do not answer or return it. Engaging may lead to further harassment.
- Report the Number: Report any incidents to ScamWatch or your local authorities to help prevent others from becoming victims.
- Seek Advice: If you feel threatened or uncertain about your tax situation, it’s better to contact the ATO directly using numbers from their official website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, be vigilant and cautious when dealing with unknown numbers like 02 9099 1678 / 0290991678. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. Using services like Reverseau to perform a reverse phone lookup can provide clarity and help you identify unwanted calls. Remember, if it sounds suspicious, it's always best to err on the side of caution.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Tax scam. Super scary for someone like me.
Wasted my time, freaked me out.
Just got a call giving me a number to call back which I will ignore and added the number to SCAM WATCH. As I am in Tasmania it looks like this is where they are targeting now.
Same experience as the rest of the commenters here, called them back, and asked why I would be in trouble instantly asked for my personal details, when I questioned then, they put me on hold and then hung up on me. Scam 100% please report this number to SCAM WATCH send them the number and any further info you get.
Scumbags trying an ATO tax fraud scam to get you to pay them money. Encourage all your friends to call this number and waste these pricks times with your own version of a nuisance call.
SCAM! Says he is from the Tax and Crime office and you have an outstanding tax amount as you have been avoiding payments. I don't know how far they would get with actually scamming any money, I started yelling at him before he had a chance.
Scammers...
I got a call from this number saying that I have 4 criminal charges against my name regarding tax fraud, that the police will come and pick me up in 30mins to arrest me, and I have a choice to avoid them giving the police my details by staying on the line, going to the nearest woolworths or coles, to tell the guy on the phone when I get there and they will tell me what "voucher" to buy, and I will avoid the criminal charges.
I hung up and blocked the number and phoned the police.
Scammers....
Received a call from this number telling me I "must not disregard this message" and that I should call them back urgently.
I returned the call and a male voice with an accent said "hello" a few times and then hung up on me but not before he played the old "press the keypad trick" to make that beeping noise into the phone.
I tried again and he hung up on me.
It's some sort of scammer so I intend to report the number.
Yep had a call from this number as well. I was out of phone range at the time so they left a message. "So and so" call 0290991678 I say again 0290991678 DO NOT DISREGARD THIS MESSAGE.
Needless to say, I just deleted it and that's the end of that.
I also reported them to my gov spam.
Tax traud call. Don't respond.
Also had a call from this Indian saying the same as others. Have not responded but I know there is no way I could be up on charges for tax fraud. Always do tax by the book!
Just had this call, left a message for me. Call the number, tax fraud, call your lawyer etc. Reprehensible scum. Clearly a scam.
Left message regarding Income Tax Fraud. Call back ASAP.
They called me today. An indian man saying it was an automated message from the taxation office. You have be reported for taxation fraud please have your lawyer contact us on 02 90991678. Soooooooooo about to head into the weekend I haven't done my tax for prob three years I start to shit myself...... Then I think no wait a minute you would get a letter.... So I googled number and ended up here...... Sooooo I have been having some fun with this guy..... I rang back the number and didn't say anything twice letting him go through his spiel that you have called the taxation department how can I help you?.... Then I stayed silent...... On the third time I rand he said I can hear you you bitch..... To which I replied so your from the taxtion department are you? Swear word swear word I am going to call you all day long....... And hung up and I have been calling him and he has been swearing and cursing and now he just hangs up on me...... I think I may be annoying him or something???
Total scam. Don't give them any information. They are very articulate about government procedures and threatening. The scam fell apart when they said to settle the tax bill I had to go to a supermarket to purchase a prepaid card ha ha...
I got a call from this number that said it was a about tax fraud and I was not to ignore the message and ring a certain number.
YES! 02 9099 1678. I was told not ignore the message. Call back.....FAIL!
Indian guy threatening me with legal action and asking for money. Can't really understand him.
Indian scammer called didn't answer but I rang back and he said I didn't call you then proceeded to tell me to stop calling him be careful don't answer anything with a yes.
Indian scam caller say he is ato f*ken Indian.