- Scam
- Spam
The number 0497 608 403 has been reported multiple times as a scam, masquerading as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Learn how to identify and handle calls or messages from this number to protect your personal information.
Identifying the Threat from 0497 608 403
The phone number 0497 608 403 / 0497608403 has alarmed many Australians with its persistent messages that claim to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Users have reported a slew of texts warning them about breaching account security and needing to click on dubious links. Clearly marked as a scam, this number has been classified as part of a phishing attempt designed to extract sensitive personal information.
Understanding the ATO Phishing Scam
Messages from this number often suggest that users’ ATO profiles are at risk, commonly citing issues like password breaches or missing information. Reviews indicate that individuals have received numerous calls and text messages claiming urgent action is required, thereby heightening the urgency to respond. However, users have done well to alert others, explicitly advising against clicking any links provided in these messages.
Symptoms of Scamming
- Claim of Urgency: Messages demand immediate action with threats of account deactivation.
- Links to Click: Requests to click links are a red flag; legitimate organisations don’t ask for personal information this way.
- Confusion and Misleading Claims: Common tactics include misleading claims about accounts and services that the victim might not even use.
How to Handle Communication from This Number
If you receive a call or text from 0497 608 403 / 0497608403, it's crucial to remember the following:
- Do not engage or respond to the message.
- Never click on any links; they may lead to phishing sites aiming to steal your identity.
- If in doubt, contact the ATO directly using verified contact information to confirm any claims.
- You can report the suspicious number to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your local authorities.
It's clear from user experiences that 0497 608 403 / 0497608403 is synonymous with deception. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself against such scams. For more insights on who contacted you and to report suspicious numbers, consider using Reverseau for a detailed Reverse Phone Lookup Australia.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0497 608 403!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
I’m pretty this is a scam as the text message said they were ATO and I had to click the link in the message as my password has been changed. It hasn’t so it’s a scam.
Scam pretending to be ATO - don’t click on the link in the message.
ATO Scammers. Site is hosted in the Central African Republic*. Google are now marking this as a "Deceptive site" but they weren't earlier.
*Note this doesn't mean the scammers are from there. They could be in Australia, they may be overseas. This is just where they chose to host their website.
Thank you for the information. Hope others see this. I have received over 10 messages today along to click on the link. Do they think I'm that stupid!!!!!
I have received 10 messages today alone since 6 am telling me The ATO is missing information. Its all scam shit. I haven't and advise do not click on the link!!! Wish scammers would bugger off!!!!!
Scam pretending to be ATO via text messaging DON’T press on the link.
Definitely a scam pretending to be ATO.
I received a text message that said, "Your ATO profile was changed. Click here..." which appears to be a scam attempting to deceive users into providing personal information.
Same issue as above..6 messages with one misspelled saying from ATO.. When I previewed it looked like they have created a website that almost looks exactly like the actual website with a few discrepancies such as the URL.
I received two scam text messages from this number within an hour, both from the ATO, asking me to "click here" if I did not change my profile password, indicating potential phishing attempts.
I received a text message claiming to be from the tax office, alerting me that my password has been compromised. This raises concerns about its authenticity.
Same, I'm being bombarded this morning with messages claiming to be from the ATO. Several things indicate it's a scam - including spelling errors like AT0 (AT zero), "informations" etc.
Pretty sure it's a scam. Telling me that my ATO has been unlinked from my MYGOV profile. The last time I paid tax MYGOV didn't exist, I've been retired for 14 years.