08 7200 1245: Scam - Australian Tax Office Impersonation Call

• Suspicious
• Scam
• Spam

Received a call from 08 7200 1245? This number is reported as a scam, supposedly from the Australian Tax Office, making threats of legal action. Learn how to handle it and protect yourself from scams.

Understanding the 08 7200 1245 / 0872001245 Scam Call

If you’ve received a call from 08 7200 1245 / 0872001245, you are not alone. Many Australians have reported this number as a scam, specifically impersonating the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The nature of these calls typically involves automated messages that threaten legal action or arrest, which can understandably cause distress.

What the Calls Typically Involve

Users consistently report receiving robotic and menacing messages claiming that legal proceedings are underway and warning of an impending arrest if they do not return the call. The vague threat of a lawsuit is a common tactic employed by scammers to instil fear, prompting quick and unthoughtful reactions from individuals.

Types of Scams Identified

• Impersonation Scam: The caller falsely identifies themselves as a representative of the ATO, creating an urgent and alarming scenario.
• Automated Voice Message: Most calls are delivered using a mechanical voice, often lacking human identifiers or proper sentence structure, which is a tell-tale sign of a scam.
• Threat of Legal Action: A frequent tactic used is to threaten individuals with arrest or legal action, clearly an attempt to elicit panic.

Dealing with Scam Calls

If you receive a call from 08 7200 1245 / 0872001245 or any similar numbers, here are some steps to follow:

• Do Not Engage: Avoid answering or returning calls from suspicious numbers. This limits the chances of further harassment.
• Block the Number: Use your phone settings to block the number, preventing future calls.
• Report the Call: Consider reporting the number to the appropriate authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), so they can take necessary actions to protect others.
• Stay Informed: Use resources like Reverseau to conduct a reverse phone lookup in Australia for any number you're unsure about.

Final Thoughts

While the pressure from these scam calls can be unsettling, knowing how to react can help mitigate any potential stress. Always remember, the real Australian Tax Office will not make vague threats or conduct business through alarming automated messages. Stay vigilant, and protect yourself and your personal information from these deceitful tactics.