- Scam
- Suspicious
- Uncertain
Beware of calls from 03 8594 2232, a number reported by numerous users as a scam pretending to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Learn how to handle suspicious calls and protect yourself.
Understanding the Scam Behind 03 8594 2232
Recently, an alarming number of reports have surfaced regarding calls from 03 8594 2232 / 0385942232. Users have identified this number as being associated with a well-known scam where the caller impersonates an officer from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Specifically, the scammer introduces themselves as "Michael Harris," attempting to instill fear by threatening legal action for non-existent tax issues.
What Users Are Reporting
The reviews collected indicate a consistent pattern: callers claiming to be from the ATO threaten individuals with court action, which is entirely uncharacteristic of how the tax office operates. One common thread is the use of intimidation tactics, including fabricated claims of tax avoidance and immediate call-backs being demanded. Many recipients of these calls have reported that they felt unsafe or concerned about their financial validity.
Why This Is a Scam
It's important to note that the ATO does not contact individuals by phone with threats of court action, nor do they request sensitive information or repayments without prior written notification. Legitimate tax matters are always communicated formally through mail or official channels.
- Voice Message Quality: Many who answered noted the poor quality of the voice messages, indicating they were pre-recorded.
- Impersonation Signs: The use of commonly used foreign names combined with the urgency of the messages are classic signs of fraudulent activity.
- No Personal Information Given: The callers typically do not provide personal identifiers, asking the victims to contact them instead.
How to Handle Calls from This Number
If you receive a call from 03 8594 2232 / 0385942232, it’s best to:
- Do Not Engage: Hang up immediately and avoid providing any personal information.
- Report the Call: Notify the ATO and other authorities regarding the fraudulent attempt.
- Block the Number: To prevent future harassment, add the number to your block list.
- Inform Others: Share the information with friends and family to heighten awareness of this scam.
If you're ever in doubt about a caller's identity, consider using a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service, such as Reverseau. This can provide clarity on who called you and resolve doubts about potentially harmful interactions.
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 8594 2232!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Just got the same call, very scary, but luckily I googled the number and found that it was a scam. They rang on my work number which isn't readily available, which is disconcerting!
Just got the same call in melbourne. Pre recorded message requested a call back.
Scam!
100% Tax Scam. Purporting to be a Michael Harris from the ATO.
As soon as he started talking I told him to F#*k Off and I hung up on him. May I suggest you all do the same and please also tell your family and friends to be on the alert.
Here is a great link from the ATO that explains this scam in more detail:
[link].
Scam call. Prerecorded message claiming to be from the ATO about tax avoidance under 'your name'. Funny that it couldn't tell me my name.
Don't answer. Block the caller.
Just got the same scam call a few minutes ago. Blocked.
Didn't take call, but a voice message was left - obviously a recording as it started mid-sentence! He said his name was Michael Harris from the ATO.
As the above have said. SCAM. Suggest you all BLOCK the caller.
I received a SCAM phone call from this number claiming to be from the 'Tax Office'.
Received a call from 038594 2232 saying I have avoided tax.
Called ATO to confirm. They said they have no records on me and they never tried to call.
Scam.
Scam call from 03 8594 2232 claiming to be from ATO. I hung up immediately.
Scam call from Michael Harris and Ian Bishop.
Just received the same Michael Harris bs scam, didn't realise it was a recorded message, I told him what I thought then hung up, damn!
Call received 10:26 19/09/2017.
Michael Harris (Indian accent) pre-recorded scam message saying he is from the ATO.
Just got a call from Michael Harris supposedly from ATO. Indian accent. Obviously a scam (not because he's Indian). I'm pretty sure the ATO does not call, threatening to take you to court. It would be in writing. He didn't even ask for iTunes cards! ;-).
Just got the same call from Michael Harris..... Tax Office doesn't work like that.... Anything to do with court would be in written form. Not a message left on voicemail.
I just had a call from John from this number claiming to be from the ATO. Also providing that I have committed tax avoidance and that I will be taken to court.
He had an American accent and I have a voicemail to see if we can organise a capture of this person.
Scammer. Micheal Harris from ATO says that they will take me to court because of tax avoidance.
Yes got a voice message at 11:37am this morning also saying the same thing about going to court. Complete scammer hope he rotts in hell.
Hi - I also got a call from michael harris saying I need to call back asap - think its a scam as I am up to date with tax!
Same here too.. Got a call from this number and I didn't answer it so he left a message, saying that he's from Ato and I need to call back otherwise he will take me to court..SCAMMEERS!!
Just got a call from Michael Harris from "ATO" Scammer! I hung up on him straight away.
Yes thus number has called me twice. Leaving a message that I will have to go to court. I called the number and the answering machine was clearly not the tax office. I will report this to the tax office .
Same experience just had call then..???
Same experience as Martain.... And on the same day!
Got a call from this number indicating he was from the ATO MIchael Harris and that I would be sent to court if I did not call back.