- Scam
- Suspicious
- Uncertain
- Spam
The phone number 03 8820 5221 has been reported as a scam impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If you receive a call from this number, it's important to stay cautious and know how to handle it.
Understanding the Impersonation Scam: 03 8820 5221
The phone number 03 8820 5221 has raised significant red flags among Australian users, with reports categorising it unequivocally as a scam. The predominant theme of the communication involves callers posing as representatives from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The Scam Details
User reports reveal a common thread: many individuals received calls that left automated messages threatening legal action due to supposed issues with their taxation affairs. Several callers described the voice as having a noticeable accent – either Indian or pseudo-American, which in itself raises suspicion.
What Makes This a Scam?
- Threatening Language: Callers often use alarming phrases such as "time sensitive" and "legal action against your name" to instil a sense of urgency.
- Information Request: Many victims reported that the callers requested personal information, such as full names, addresses, and phone numbers, which official entities like the ATO would already possess.
- Lack of Official Credentials: Users have encountered reluctance from the presenters to provide their names or allow conversation with a manager, leading to further scepticism.
How to Handle Calls from 03 8820 5221
If you receive a call from this number, here are steps to keep in mind:
- Do Not Engage: Do not provide any personal information. If you answer, simply hang up.
- Verify Independently: If concerned, contact the ATO directly using their official contact channels rather than returning the call.
- Report the Number: Report the number to relevant authorities like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the ATO.
In conclusion, 03 8820 5221 / 0388205221 stands out as a prominent example of a phone number engaged in fraudulent activities, trying to mislead unsuspecting individuals. Users are urged to remain vigilant and rely on services like Reverseau for a Reverse Phone Lookup in Australia, ensuring peace of mind when unknown calls arise.
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 8820 5221!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Scam no bot is speaking you welcome to swearing.
Same shit - Fake American Accent saying ATO will be pressing charges blah blah call this number blah blah no idea of my name address tax file number lol that alone triggers the scam alarm. :).
I missed a call from 0388205221. Message says "I repeat the issue was very time sensitive So," - end of message,
Got a missed call from this number today and after reading the comments on here did not bother calling back. Thanks guys for sharing.
Got a call today and called bacck to hear all the carp and he was asking for my details.
Next time will call them again and give them bullshit answers to fool them.
Same just happened to me. It's the pseudo-American accent on the message that gives it away, and the threat of 'legal action against your name'. What a crock, but one can imagine someone who hasn't done a tax return in a while or has had past run-ins with the ATO being a little less on their guard.
Yes, definitely a scam. Claiming to be the ATO, but then asking me for all of my details. Do not give them any info. Don’t call back. And, if you answer their call, then just hang up.
Definitely a scammer. Called back with hesitation after reading the above comments. Same answer as above - the ATO office. I Immediately asked their name and to speak with their manager and he just said no. Hung up straight away.
Missed call from this number. A message popped up on the screen requesting immediate call back. My call was answered by a person with Indian accent. He said he was from ATO's investigation team and requested my tel number, full name and address. By then I was getting very suspicious and said they should know my details if they are ATO. He tried to put more pressure by mentioning the urgency of the matter and if I don't respond they will hand the investigation over to the police. I said I'll call back after I've spoken to my accountant.
Missed a call from this number.. Returned call.. Indian voice answered 'this is the ATO Melbourne'.
Same problem. Got a call, it went to messagebank, I rang back and an Irish voice said it was the taxation department and to hold the line whilst he got out my file. I hung up!
Missed a call. It left me a voice message saying a lot of letters and numbers then it said "this issue is very time sensitive before we take legal action against your name please call back." This was an automated message of a mans voice with an accent.300m.