1300 898 089 - Potential Scam: Alleged Tax Department Debt Collection

• Scam

The phone number 1300 898 089 has been reported as a potential scam related to debt collection scams. Learn how to handle calls from this number safely.

Understanding the Concerns Surrounding 1300 898 089

The phone number 1300 898 089 / 00898089 has raised eyebrows among Aussie residents due to reports associating it with a questionable debt collection operation. Most notably, one report dating back to 15 May 2017 identified it as a contact point for what was claimed to be the Australian Tax Department, allegedly sending out debt collection forms. However, the legitimacy of the call raised several alarms.

Classification: Potential Scam

Based on the user report, this phone number appears to be linked to a possible scam, specifically targeting individuals under the guise of government authority. Scammers often masquerade as official departments, including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), to create a sense of urgency and manipulate victims into providing personal information or making payments.

How to Handle Calls from 1300 898 089

If you receive a call from this number, stay calm and follow these steps:

• Do not provide personal information: Never share sensitive details such as your tax file number, bank details, or credit card information over the phone.
• Verify the call: Hang up and contact the relevant agency directly using an official phone number to confirm if the call was legitimate.
• Report suspicious calls: If you suspect a scam, report the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Taxation Office.
• Use Reverseau: You can utilise services like Reverseau for a quick reverse phone lookup to check if this number has been flagged by other users in Australia.

Conclusion

While the purpose of phone number 1300 898 089 / 00898089 seems to revolve around tax-related communication, the reviews indicate patterns consistent with scam activities. Always remain vigilant when dealing with calls that demand immediate action or personal details, and refer to trusted resources for confirmation. Safety and awareness are key to preventing falling victim to such schemes.