1300 596 391: Scam Alert - Fake Australian Tax Office Solicitation

3-min Read15 Reports

  • Scam
  • Uncertain
  • Suspicious

The phone number 1300 596 391 has been reported by users as a scam, falsely claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office. Learn how to handle calls from this number effectively and protect yourself.

Introducing 1300 596 391

The phone number 1300 596 391 / 00596391 has been consistently reported as a scam number impersonating the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Incidents have been shared where users received threatening messages regarding tax evasion, with dire consequences mentioned, such as arrest or legal actions.

Understanding the Scam

This number is primarily associated with a classic scam where callers pose as representatives of the ATO. Users reported receiving calls or messages stating that their lack of prompt action could amount to severe legal implications, such as arrest for tax fraud. The callers typically use a variety of tactics to create pressure, urging victims to provide sensitive information or make payments immediately to avoid legal actions.

User Experiences

An analysis of user reports reveals a pattern of alarming communications. A common theme emerged wherein the callers made outrageous claims, such as threats of execution or severe penalties for unpaid taxes. These outrageous statements are clear indicators of a scam.

  • Source of Calls: Many once reported an 'Indian' accent from the callers, while others noted changes in voice types over time, making it sound 'more legitimate.'
  • Automated Messages: Several reports mentioned receiving automated messages threatening legal repercussions, claiming urgent action is required to resolve a tax issue directly.
  • User Responses: Those who called back often faced aggressive tactics from the supposed 'authorities' and some found humour in the situation by questioning the scams directly.

How to Handle Calls from 1300 596 391

Receiving a call from 1300 596 391 / 00596391 can be alarming, especially with the aggressive tone often employed by scammers. Here are some recommended steps:

  • Do Not Engage: If you receive a call or message, do not provide any personal information or payment details.
  • Verify by Yourself: Contact the ATO directly through their official channels to verify any claims made in the message you received.
  • Report It: Ensure to report the number to the appropriate authorities such as the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help combat these scams.

Stay Informed with Reverseau

Using tools like Reverseau can help you understand who called you and potentially avoid falling victim to a scam. Always be vigilant about phone calls from unknown numbers, especially those that instil fear or pressure for immediate payment. Remember, if a call feels suspicious, it probably is!


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Ratings Distribution

1.3 out of 5
5 Stars 0%
4 Stars 7%
3 Stars 7%
2 Stars 0%
1 Star 87%

What Our Users Reviewed

B
Braasch

ATO scam.

K
Kleiman

Have a good luck??? Guess they have the odd win or they'd give up.

B
Brymer

Missed a call, said I have to call back otherwise they will arrest me for tax avoidance. Obviously a scam when they said "have a good luck... ".

D
Denise

Very officious message and obviously a scam when you here how I might be executed!(not in this country mate). The concerning part is that I actually am late in filing some taxes...oops.

E
Edwin

Yeah I just got a call today saying the same thing, thanks guys people like this need to be stopped.

B
Blackburn

Just got an automated messages in an Australian accent that a warrant for my arrest was being executed due to tax evasion and to call this number. I rang the number and told them my name. It was an Indian man who identified himself only as Mark Brown a senior authority at the ATO and could I please state my tax file number. I said I wasn't comfortable doing this and he immediately started getting angry saying this was a very serious matter and I was not being cooperative. I suggested I was just trying to be certain he was really from the ATO and I thought a senior authority from the ATO wouldn't speak to a customer this way then he muttered something and then hung up.

B
Broderick

Got a mechanical message today to call them back under 1300 596. Sounded series. Googled this number and found your comments. Thanks for that. Tomorrow I will inform the ATO. They can deal with it!

M
Mass

As listed in other post this is a scam Say from the ATO no mention who it against, they changed the voice message to a more English voice and not a India or Pakistan voice, ring back guess what you get!

A
Abdullah

Hilarious garbled message threatening arrest and even execution for unpaid taxes! I guessed it was a scam and after reading others' posts won't bother ringing back! Thanks!

M
Margolies

LOL. Called them back and said "I just got a message, googled your details and it says you're a scam, is that correct?" the guy replied "Yes" so I said "So it is correct that this is a scam?" and he replied "Yes"....

Well I guess where honesty is concerned...

H
Hausman

Scam. They will tell you that your owe an amount of money and they only way to avoid going to court and being convicted of tax fraud is to literally stay on the phone and drive to the bank to deposit a bunch of money. The phone call is long winded and sounds legitimate. Tell them to get stuffed. I rang back and got stuck into them, I ask them to confirm a bunch of information and the story started to fall about. They eventually hung up when the going got pretty heated ha ha. Don't let it ruin your day and report it to the ATO.

G
Gomez

Supposed Tax Office message threatened arrest, left on answering machine.

B
Brabson

Scammer - report to ATO and let them deal with it.

J
Jolliffe

Supposedly Aust tax office text message.

C
Craddock

Con, I rang them knowing iot was a scam. Indian voice on teh other end hungup when I quizzed him. I then rang THEM back 55 times and it rang out after 3 lol.

Total Fake Tax Office Scam.


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