03 9013 4439 - Phone Scam Alert: ATO Arrest Warrant Hoax

• Scam

Beware of calls from 03 9013 4439, a number reported by users as a scam claiming to be the ATO. Learn how to recognise and deal with such fake calls effectively.

Identifying the Scam at 03 9013 4439

The phone number 03 9013 4439 / 0390134439 has been brought to our attention as a potential scam, specifically impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Numerous reports indicate that callers from this number are attempting to alarm recipients with threats of arrest warrants and lawsuits. Such tactics are designed to evoke fear and prompt immediate action.

Types of Scam Reported

Reviews indicate that individuals receiving calls from this number were told there were outstanding bills due and that failure to respond would result in severe legal repercussions, including arrest. This type of scam is commonly referred to as a 'phishing scam' where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organisations to extract personal and financial information.

How to Handle These Calls

• Don't Engage: If you receive a call from 03 9013 4439 / 0390134439, do not engage with the caller or provide any personal information. Hang up immediately.
• Verify Independently: If you are concerned about a notice from the ATO, contact them directly using contact information from their official website, not from the suspicious caller.
• Report the Number: You can report this number to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via their Scamwatch website. This will help protect others from falling victim to the same scam.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off with the call, it's best to trust your intuition. Legitimate agencies, like the ATO, typically do not contact individuals via phone regarding sensitive matters without prior written communication.

Conclusion

The numerous reports marking 03 9013 4439 / 0390134439 as a scam highlight the importance of scrutinising unexpected phone calls, particularly those invoking panic. Utilise resources like Reverseau for reverse phone lookup in Australia to check who called you and protect yourself against fraud. It's vital to remain vigilant in the age of increasing phone scams.