(02) 6100 3024

A Scam Phone Call from the ATO

3-min Read 57 Reports

Likely Scam

This number has received 57 reports. 79% of users categorise it as Scam, with an average rating of 1.4 out of 5. Most recent report: 4 September 2015.

Scam Spam Uncertain Suspicious Local service Canberra, ACT 2600 Symbio Networks Pty Ltd

Ratings

1.4
57 reports
5
0%
4
5%
3
7%
2
9%
1
79%
  • Scam
  • Spam
  • Uncertain
  • Suspicious

The number 02 6100 3024 has been reported as a scam phone call impersonating the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If you receive a call from this number, do not provide personal information. Learn how to handle such calls safely.

Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6100 3024

Users across Australia have reported alarming calls from the phone number 02 6100 3024 / 0261003024, which claim to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). These calls typically involve a threatening automated message warning recipients about serious legal issues, suggesting that immediate action is required. However, these messages are nothing more than a well-crafted scam.

Analysis of User Reports

Based on numerous user reviews, it's clear that the callers pretend to be officers from the ATO, most frequently using the alias “Officer John Smith.” The message style is unnervingly similar, often employing a robotic or poorly accented voice. The typical narrative includes claims of tax fraud, legal consequences, or outstanding tax bills that need urgent settlement.

Types of Scams Identified

  • Impersonation Scam: The callers claim to represent the ATO, demanding immediate payment for supposed debts.
  • Phishing Scam: Seek to extract personal or financial information by creating a false sense of urgency.
  • Threat-based Scam: Many reports mention threats of arrest or legal action, seeking to manipulate vulnerable individuals into complying.

Identifying a Scam

If you receive a call from this number:

  • Do not engage: Hang up immediately if they request personal information or payment.
  • Verify: Contact the ATO directly through official channels if you've received such calls regarding your tax affairs.
  • Report: It’s essential to report these incidents to local authorities or the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defence against phone scams is awareness. Always remember that the ATO will never initiate contact via unsolicited calls or demand immediate payment over the phone. Monitoring platforms like Reverseau can provide further information about unusual numbers. For added safety, you can conduct a fellow Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to check any suspicious calls.

Conclusion

Calls from 02 6100 3024 / 0261003024 should be treated with utmost caution as confirmed by extensive user feedback. Understanding how to handle scams ensures your personal information remains protected. Always stay vigilant and safeguard yourself against any telephonic deception.

AI-assisted analysis based on community reports and public data. Learn more

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What Our Users Reviewed

C
Colombo
Scam

It is a scam and they will try to get you to give your card details to pay an out standing ATO bill they are very forceful just tell them to get F@#$%& they are a pack of C%$#@.

B
Bresnahan
Spam

Totally spam!!!

L
Lockey
Scam

I just got it, it's a SCAM....

G
Goldin
Scam

I just got it a few minutes ago American robotic voice asking me to call back or good luck with the consequences. I called the number, the guy that answered sounded Indian and claimed to be from the ATO. He sounded like he was trying to disguise his accent.

B
Britain
Scam

Scam call.

C
Chaves
Uncertain

I rang. It was answered and asked my name and then hang up. I did not get the stage when the person asking for anything. I think the person was targeting vulnerable people.

B
Berner
Scam

Update --- I've spoken to the ATO the department that monitors this kind of fraud is open 7 days a week).

They are aware of it, there are a lot of complaints coming in.

Please do call the ATO and report it; some poor SIP provider in Australia is being used by these criminals unknowingly.

H
Hazeltine
Scam

I have received 2 calls from this number, when I listened to the voicemail that was left I automatically thought it was a scam- some thick accented man say he is some 'special agent'....seriously??. I have blocked the number now but not sure whether I should report it?

C
Corey
Spam

Folks, first, I had a good laugh when I got the recorded message -- you have to give these doofknuckles credit....

If you do receive a call from this number please call the ATO on.

132 861.

You'll get the standard "please enter your personal blah etc" Wnen you are asked to enter either your PTFN or ABN, just press the HASH key ---.

Then press option 4 -- to report fraud.

You don't need to give your personal details at all, but your report will help the ATO get the VOIP number blocked.

And remember, if you say something, see something. Oh, I mean, if you said something stay put.... Oh never mind....

H
Hosack
Scam

Same threaten call I just got from this number.

I was recording message when I answer.

Also ask to call back.

I believe it is Scam.

L
Larose
Scam

They had my address from 2 years ago and said that was where they had been sending the information to…um pretty sure the ATO has my current address. Total scam!

F
Freet
Scam

I didn't pick up the call but officer John Smith left me a message with an American accent. Telling me I should call back but I know Tax Office usually email me so this has to be a scam.

K
Koff
Scam

I received this call today. Reported to the ATO immediately on 13 28 61.

B
Bride
Suspicious

They called my mum she gave them my mobile I rang them back, He wasn't happy I said can I have it in writing so when he takes me to court I have a copy.

Got very nasty when question asked...

Threaten if ATO take me court you will loose..

He's the looser!!!

C
Charlesworth
Scam

This call came through with an American accent and frightened the life out of me. John Smith said he was from the Taxation office and gave a number for me to ring, I immediately thought it unusual for the Tax office to use someone with an American accent to warn customers they are being investigated by the crime squad. I phoned the number back and tried to check if it was a scam and obviously they didn't want to talk to me.

F
Fordham
Scam

This is a scam and you need to report this to the police as I did this afternoon. AFP transfer you to your state/territory police, but still worth reporting it!

D
Dinsdale
Uncertain

Maybe the ascic should chase this one up.

B
Burgan
Scam

"If you don't return this call them all I can say is good luck as the situation unfolds on you' hahahaha stupid scammers.

G
Gilbert
Scam

Just got it too.... What a con! I hope no one falls for it. They should have at least used an Aussie voice!

F
Fairbrother
Scam

Asked 'Ben' what his position was within the ATO after returning the missed call. He just hung up. Lol. Total phishing scam.

H
Hardie
Spam

Spam call claiming to be from the Tax Office.

K
Konrad
Scam

I just received this call also, just the same as the rest of you. American voice claiming to be from the ATO telling me if I don't call a particular number then he "can't help what might happen".

Or close to that anyway.

G
Goldberg
Suspicious

Just had this call, Freaked me out for a bit then I clued in that it wasn't even BS, Called my Accountant and he confirmed it.

B
Bradstreet
Scam

I received the same recorded (robotic) voice message to 'my' mobile requesting to call back this number immediately. But asked my partner to call back from 'his' mobile phone. Without asking my partner who he is, they said to him that he has been audited, his figure is wrong and he owed 2700 something dollars.

It is a total scam.

H
Hinrichsen
Spam

Same as the others, spam from Jon Smith from computer generated voice.

B
Borchers
Scam

Same as above comments, claims to be from ATO threats to return call immediately or to have bad outcomes for me. Will be reporting this to Police Link.

K
Kretzschmar
Suspicious

Just had this number hit my mobile, I'd say the auto dialler is working hard today.

G
Guastella
Scam

Received same call. Promptly hung up. Searched and found this thread confirming scam.

K
Knopp
Suspicious

I just received a call from these people as well... ... he nicely wishes you good luck 'for when the issue begins to unfold if you ignore this call'...

C
Creamer
Scam

Like everyone else just received this automated you are in trouble call.

K
Kalra
Scam

Just a call from this number today, how can it be believable when it's pre-recorded with an american accent by a guy called John Smith? SCAM ALERT.

L
Lafon
Scam

"Officer John Smith" with an American computerised voice rang me today too (same as the rest of you). I assume this just started today?

M
Marler
Scam

Got called today from these guys. Definitely a scam. Bad news....don't respond to them.

B
Blanch
Scam

Computer generated male voice, named John Smith, saying he is from Asio tax regarding ATO, gives this number to call back, and in a threatening manner.

Do not call this number back as it is a scam.

B
Bittle
Scam

ATO based extortion. Claiming I owed them money from 2008 and I'd get charged if I didn't pay right then.

G
Gander
Spam

Text to speak message.

"officer john smith" extremely time sensitive please put your work aside blah blah.. Dodgy buggers.

B
Bridgeford
Scam

Same scam reported by others. A very obvious scam at that. Extremely unprofessional conduct on the phone, totally at odds with all my experiences with the ATO. The police should crack down on these people.

G
Garman
Scam

Missed call from +61261003024. Text message "Call(?) it's for you. The issue at hand is extremely time sensitive. So the very second you receive this message. I need you to leave your work"....

B
Bonnie
Scam

I just a call from this number as well stating its from the ATO crime division. Voice recorded call threatening to call back otherwise leading to legal problems and/or jail term. What the.....

B
Bellis
Scam

Just got a call from this number - answering machine saying call regarding tax. Called it back, they asked if I was 'X' which is my business name, not my full name.. Have googled it and found this page re: scam.

How do these people get away with it!

B
Bayer
Scam

This is a scam. They claim to be from the Australian Tax Office, Agent David Brown speaking, but they aren't. Report it to the police!

H
Hauer
Scam

Received a call this morning. Stupidly called back. The person I spoke to had my address details and said that someone had been to my house to drop off paperwork as evidence of tax fraud from an investigation into my tax returns from 2009-2013. Said if I didn't settle out of court, I would be liable for charges of $48.000. WTF! Seriously, no evidence, no communication prior to this phone call, no way scammer!!

B
Bhandari
Scam

(02) 610 3024 is an ATO Scam.

C
Center
Scam

ATO SCAM and a pretty transparent one at that. Officer John Smith....really?

A
Andreasen
Scam

They left a recorded message in the first place. I then called them back and they told me, that I owe the ATO 2500 AUD. And if I don't pay the money by CC within the next 45 min, the matter will be send to court. I called the police and ATO and it seems to be a SCAM.

A
Azam
Scam

Scam don't reply.

F
Featherstone
Scam

Hi I recieved a phone call from this number at approx 10.03 am today, there was an automated voice message left on my message bank stating that they were from the Australian taxation office. The officer was investigating " outstanding taxes" and requested that I call back to speak with a man named John smith or a man named Dan Blackmore to sort the matter out, otherwise matters would be taken further. The man stated that they were working with a ASIO. When my husband called back to investigate what was going on, and asked them to send a fax to our office regarding the outstanding amount, and we would then get our accountant to investigate this matter, the man hung up on me. Definitely sounded like a scam!

A
Annan
Scam

Got a scam call from this number this morning followed by a text that reads:

"This message is from Australian Taxation Office. This call is for you. The issue at hand. Missed Call Service is free. Call 159 to opt out".

That is an exact quote, including the double space and the missing space.

Simply put, the ATO contacts you via mail, with correct grammar and spelling.

J
Jump
Scam

I got a call from this number, took a while for any response. It’s a scam. Computer recorded message plays and says to call a number back... Obviously a scam, not going to fall for that.

M
Mathers
Scam

I received the call at 11:15 am today claiming to be the tax office asian fraud division. It's a scam.

F
Fall
Uncertain

Just received a call from this number and no response at the other end. Thanks for the posts.

C
Cousins
Scam

I got told get ready to be arrested. I'm being investigated for fraud. Had John Smith call me.

F
Forward
Scam

The voice-scrambled message was this: "This message is from Australian Taxation Office. This call is for you. The issue at hand is extremely time sensitive so the very second you receive this message I need you to leave your work aside and dial a number to the Asio Tax Crime Division. The number is 0261003024. This is Officer John Smith and I am working with Asio Tax Crime Division.

Now if you don't return the call or I do not hear from your lawyer then the only thing I can do is wish you a good luck as the situation unfolds on you.".

C
Cuen
Scam

I called the number back.

Someone answers, with Asian accent.

Claims to be Ray Hamilton from the ATO.

I asked him for his Public Service employee number & he hung up.

H
Hofstetter
Scam

Call from 'John Smith', says from ATO.

Warns that must call back to prevent action being taken.

Checked Reverseau, saw other comments (thanks!) and then called back - engaged.

H
Harrison
Scam

This is a scam. The voice sounds like a computer generated voice and seems to be a recorded message.

L
Lill
Scam

Scam ATO call.

Threating you with action due to fraud on your part.

DO NOT SEND MONEY.

The ATO only corresponds via paper in your letterbox.

If you get paperwork then ring an accountant.

Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6100 3024!

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