03 9014 9438: Scam - Tax Department Phishing Attempt

• Scam

03 9014 9438 is reported as a scam phone number impersonating the tax department. Discover how to handle calls from this number and protect yourself from phishing attempts.

Understanding 03 9014 9438

The phone number 03 9014 9438 / 0390149438 has gained notoriety among users in Australia for being associated with a scam. Reports highlight that the callers behind this number falsely claim to represent the tax department, warning individuals of imminent legal action if they do not return the call. This is a classic phishing tactic aimed at instilling fear and getting personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Scam Analysis

One report, dated 08/11/2018, details a voicemail left by a caller who accused the recipient of having an unresolved matter with the tax department and ominously stated that failure to call back would result in a warrant for arrest. This clear threat is a hallmark of many phone scams that seek to manipulate emotions to extract sensitive information from individuals.

Upon calling back, the number does not answer, which is another red flag indicating that this is not a legitimate number. Legitimate government departments will always have verifiable contact numbers, and they would not reach out in this threatening manner. Such calls should be viewed with suspicion and treated as an attempted scam.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, do not engage or provide any personal information.
• Report the Call: Consider reporting the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup: To verify unknown numbers, you can utilise services such as Reverseau.
• Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with common scams to protect against future incidents.

Remember, being proactive and cautious can help shield you from falling victim to such scams. Always verify the legitimacy of any unexpected calls claiming to be from government agencies.