02 9119 2972: Scam Phone Calls Impersonating the ATO

• Spam
• Scam

The phone number 02 9119 2972 has been reported by users as a scam call impersonating the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to threaten individuals regarding tax evasion. Learn how to handle and report calls from this number effectively.

Overview of Phone Number 02 9119 2972

The phone number 02 9119 2972 / 0291192972 has been widely identified as a scam number, with multiple user reports detailing calls from someone pretending to be a representative from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). These calls typically involve threats of legal action or arrest related to alleged tax evasion, a tactic that scammers often use to instil fear and prompt immediate action from recipients.

Analysis of User Reports

According to several reviews from 2016, callers identifying themselves as "Jason O'Connor" from the ATO have left threatening messages suggesting the victim owes a significant sum of money. Victims describe the messages as alarmingly aggressive, with some explicitly stating that the calls stress the impending risk of arrest. This pattern of behaviour points directly to a phishing scam, where criminals exploit authoritative entities to trick individuals into providing personal information or financial payments.

Why Is This Number Considered a Scam?

• Firstly, legitimate ATO representatives will never request immediate payment via phone call or threaten arrest without formal notification.
• Secondly, numerous reports indicate the presence of a foreign accent, often suggesting the call is not local, further hinting at it being a scam.
• Finally, several individuals specifically mention having contacted the ATO directly to verify the authenticity of the claims, only to discover that these calls were false.

How to Handle Calls from 02 9119 2972

If you receive a call from 02 9119 2972:

• Do not engage with the caller or provide any personal information.
• Document the details of the call, including the time, date, and what was said.
• Report the number to local authorities or visit the official ATO website for guidance on how to report these types of incidents.
• Consider using services like Reverseau to conduct a Reverse Phone Lookup in Australia for additional context on the number.

In conclusion, 02 9119 2972 / 0291192972 poses a significant scam risk targeting unwary individuals with fear-based tactics concerning tax obligations. Stay vigilant and remember: if it's a legitimate ATO issue, they will communicate through official channels—not via alarming phone calls.