03 9028 8970: Scam Alert - Australian Tax Office Impersonation

• Scam

Beware of calls from 03 9028 8970, as it has been reported as a scam number impersonating the Australian Tax Office. Learn how to handle these calls effectively.

Identifying the Threat: 03 9028 8970

The phone number 03 9028 8970 / 0390288970 has emerged as a notorious scam number, claiming to be associated with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Users have reported receiving automated calls that carry threatening messages, creating a climate of fear and confusion. This operation has been identified as an impersonation scam, where fraudsters attempt to extort money by posing as tax officials.

Nature of the Scam

Reports indicate that callers from 03 9028 8970 / 0390288970 employ an automated voice system, warning recipients of non-compliance with taxation rules and threatening legal actions, including arrest. For instance, one tax agent received such a call and promptly recognised it as fraudulent. The message claimed that the ATO had issued a warrant for their arrest due to outstanding tax obligations, which is a common tactic used by scammers to instill panic.

User Experiences

• On 03/02/2022, a user reported receiving an automated call from this number, which provided a fraudulent notification about a tax audit.
• The following day, another individual confirmed that the number was being used to deliver similar scam messages, affirming that they had been shared with other fraudulent digits.
• Continuing through 2022, other victims echoed these sentiments, detailing experiences with similar ATO impersonation scams breaching privacy and posing as legitimate calls.

How to Deal with Scam Calls

As calls from 03 9028 8970 / 0390288970 are categorically confirmed to be scams, it is crucial to handle such calls with caution:

• Do not engage: If you receive a call from this number, do not respond or provide any personal information.
• Hang up: Simply disconnect the call; there is no need to press any buttons or follow prompts.
• Report the number: Inform relevant authorities such as the ATO or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
• Educate Others: Share experiences with friends and family to raise awareness about such scams.

Conclusion

With the prevalence of scams like the one linked to 03 9028 8970 / 0390288970, it's essential to stay informed. Reverseau offers tools for a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia, allowing you to identify potentially dangerous numbers before answering. If you're ever unsure about a call, remember to investigate before divulging any information. Stay alert, and protect yourself against deception!