- Scam
- Spam
Beware of the phone number 08 8121 8159, reported as a scam claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office. Learn how to identify and handle calls from this deceptive source.
Overview of 08 8121 8159
The number 08 8121 8159 / 0881218159 has gained attention for its fraudulent claims of being associated with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Users across Australia report receiving distressing calls from this number that employ scripted, intimidating messages aimed at scaring recipients into compliance.
Classification
Based on numerous user reviews, it’s clear that 08 8121 8159 / 0881218159 falls under the category of a scam. Specifically, the calls impersonate tax officials and warn recipients of impending legal action for supposed tax offences such as tax avoidance and incorrect lodgements. This method is characterized as a tax-related scam, which has been reported to recur frequently over the years.
Name of the Scam
This type of scam is commonly called the 'Tax Scare Scam'. Scammers employ automated messages containing alarming threats, including arrest warrants, coercing people to either disclose personal information or call back without understanding the implications. Users have stated that the voice messages often inform them of unreturned documents or electronic communications that they have not actually received.
How to Handle Calls from 08 8121 8159
- Do not engage: If you receive a call from this number or any similar threats, it’s essential to hang up immediately to avoid being manipulated.
- Block the number: Prevent further annoyance by blocking this number on your phone.
- Report it: You should report the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to assist in curbing this type of criminality.
- Verify with authorities: If you are unsure about any call claiming to be from the ATO, contact them directly via known and official channels.
Final Thoughts
Calls from numbers like 08 8121 8159 / 0881218159 are not only deceptive but can lead individuals to disclose sensitive information under duress. Understanding how to identify these scams is crucial in protecting your personal information. Using services like Reverseau and employing a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can aid in confirming unfamiliar callers and keeping you informed about potential scams.
Help others by sharing your experience with (08) 8121 8159!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Think it is a a scam do not calll.
Missed call from this number left voice message: "We regret to inform you that your account has Mark(?) leaving(?) for tax avoid Asion(?) paperword sent registered address has also returned back and signed and undelivered". I called back and asked "I'd just like to know who this is please..... I've had a missed call" and then he hung up on me. I believe this is a scam as the above message does not relate to me at all.
Received a robotic voice message saying they had a warrant for my arrest and to call back. I did not call back. Scam.
A computer voice saying that the call is from Taxation Office and asking me to call back on the same number as there is something wrong with my TFN and must take action immediately. I think it's just a spam and should be ignored tben reported.
Sounds like a spam as it say it's from Australian tax office.
Recorded message claiming they are the ATO and that I have made an incorrect claim and will be audited (I haven't made any claims through the ATO expect my annual tax return so this immediately tipped me off).
Then the message said a letter was sent in the post but was 'returned to sender'. They were going to issue a warrant for my arrest.
Sounds completely bogus. It went on to ask me to select from the options menu and I hung up.
Scammers pretending to be the ATO.
This number called me up, saying they are from the ATO and that my tax has been filled incorrectly and ill be sent to jail. They are lying cheating scam artist. Please do not return the call and no not give them any details. If you do decide to call them, just curse, swear and hung up the phone so that they will be discouraged to continue looting money from innocent hardworking folks.
They rang me and left a threatening recorded message that they were from the taxation office and that there was a warrant out for my arrest for not lodging tax returns. I've looked online and noticed that this particular scam has been operation for some years now.
Just received a call from this number. It was a recorded message advising I was involved in tax avoidance and registered documents sent to me had been returned and a warrant for my arrest had been issued.
Hung up and blocked number.
Call from a recoding prettending to be taxation office.
Clearly a Scamm.