- Scam
- Spam
The phone number 02 9191 9703 is reported as a scam related to tax refunds. Learn how to identify such calls and protect yourself from potential fraud.
Identifying the Scam: 02 9191 9703
The phone number 02 9191 9703 / 0291919703 has sparked numerous reports from Australians, sinking it firmly into the category of scams. This specific number has been linked to individuals impersonating the Australian Tax Office (ATO), using various tactics to convince recipients of false tax refunds. The reviews clearly indicate a suspicious pattern, prompting an analysis of the incident.
Common Themes in User Reports
Users have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the ATO, discussing sizeable refunds of $7600. Typically, these callers often have heavy accents and attempt to extract personal information or pressure individuals into calling an alternative number for further ‘verification’.
Specifics of the Scam
- Impersonation: Callers often impersonate ATO officials, sometimes using convincing names and references.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers pressure victims to act quickly, often requesting sensitive information like banking details.
- Insist on Callbacks: Victims are urged to call another number back, where further scams can ensue.
How to Handle Such Calls
Receiving a call from 02 9191 9703 / 0291919703 can be alarming, especially for older or vulnerable individuals. Here are steps to protect yourself:
- Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, do not engage with the caller.
- Verify Independently: Contact the ATO directly using official contact methods to verify any claims made.
- Raise Awareness: Inform friends and family about the scam to prevent others from falling victim.
- Report the Call: Document and report the call to consumer protection agencies.
Why This Scam Persists
Despite many reports and warnings issued, scams like this continue to proliferate. The anonymity of phone calls and the ease of impersonation have sustained this fraudulent activity, catching unsuspecting individuals off guard. It serves as a reminder for Australians to stay vigilant about unsolicited calls and to trust their instincts.
In conclusion, always remember to stay informed and cautious when it comes to unsolicited calls, particularly those offering enticing ‘refunds’. Resources like Reverseau can guide you in identifying and managing suspicious phone numbers effectively. If you want to check who called you, consider a reverse phone lookup in Australia to assert your safety.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9191 9703!
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What Our Users Reviewed
My elderly mum just got a call from this number to call some guy micheal carter and gave an id number for an amount of $7600 refund from the ato. The Ato will never call you to tell you about a refund they would either send out a cheque or EFT the refund. The only time you will be contacted by the Ato is via mail unless you have called them.
Just recd a call from this number. Tax office in Canberra, about a refund. Heavily accented male. He knew my name. Me, I just hung up, like I do with all heavily accented unsolicited calls!!!
I have received calls from this number on a daily basis for weeks now.
It sounded as though the call was from an auto dialler. No message just beeps and random words maybe broken.
I blocked the number.
Same day I get multiple calls from a private number LOUD beep expleative hang up.
I think someone is upset.
My employee received a call on her mobile today from this number, saying he was from the ATO in Canberra. The caller suddenly said something rude to my employee, who then hung up immediately. I guess the caller must've been having a bad day and his scam-score was slipping.
A call just went through to my retired mother who is battling cancer & very ill. She has been on a pension for a while now but was very confused & concerned at how legit this guy sounded. Said his name was James (no accent), stating she had been underpaid on her pension & the ATO were refunding her $7600. Gave her a reference # to use when calling back etc. Thankfully I have conditioned her to check with me before doing anything with people over the phone. So glad I checked this & other sites - hundreds of complaints ranging back to 2012! How can the same scam still be running after so long when a lot of people have reported to police, ato etc??!
Scammer representing the Tax Dept. Offered huge refund for bank details. Even offered to connect me with the Tax Commissioner himself for verification.
Do these half-wits really think we are that silly.
Just got a call from Rose stating she was from the Tax Department in Canberra. She stated that I qualified for a Tax Rebate because the Tax Department had taken out 20% of my earnings. When I stated that I already done my Tax Return for the year and was not eligible, she said my line was breaking up. Then I said it didn't make sense and that I would like this in writing first. She then hung up.
Just got a call from this number. The lady, Rose (who was Indian), said she was calling from the tax department in Canberra. She said she was ringing to let me know that I was owed $7600 by the tax office because I had previously had too much tax deducted. She told me that I had to call 02 61008667 and quote a case-file number she had given me. She was not able to answer my questions and when asked why this was not part of the regular tax lodgement she hung up on me. Bogus.