03 9013 7361 - Scam Alert: Impersonating ATO and AFP

• Scam

Beware of 03 9013 7361, a reported scam phone number impersonating the ATO and AFP. Our guide offers advice on how to handle calls from this suspicious number.

Identify the Threat: 03 9013 7361

The phone number 03 9013 7361 has raised significant red flags amongst users, particularly for impersonating authoritative government bodies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). This classification places it firmly in the scam category, and it is crucial to understand the nature of this threat and how best to protect yourself.

The Scam Explained

Reports dating back to 1 November 2018 have indicated that this number is frequently used by individuals attempting to deceive Australians into believing they are communicating with legitimate authorities. The callers typically inform unsuspecting victims of a supposed tax debt or legal issue, urging them to provide personal information or make immediate payments. This tactic is a form of social engineering, playing on fears of legal repercussions to obtain sensitive information or money.

How to Handle Calls from 03 9013 7361

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, do not engage with the caller. Hang up immediately and do not provide any personal details.
• Verify Independently: Should you receive any claims regarding debts from the ATO or AFP, contact these organisations directly through official channels to verify the legitimacy of such claims.
• Report the Scam: Consider reporting the incident to both Scamwatch and the Australian Cyber Security Centre to help protect others from falling victim to this scam.

Final Thoughts

In summary, 03 9013 7361 / 0390137361 is a notorious scam number posing as the ATO and AFP. By staying vigilant and employing precautions, you can safeguard yourself from becoming a victim. The best strategy to determine "who called me Australia" when confronted with a suspicious number is to utilise resources like Reverseau and Reverse Phone Lookup Australia. They can assist in verifying unknown callers and help in keeping your personal information secure.