Beware of 02 6100 3737: A Classic Tax Scam
The phone number 02 6100 3737 / 0261003737 has been widely reported as a scam number imitating the Australian Tax Office (ATO). As multiple users have flagged this number, it's vital to understand the nature of these calls and how to respond appropriately.
Identifying the Scam
On 30 August 2019, numerous reports highlighted a disturbing trend: callers from this number were claiming to represent the ATO, alleging that the recipient's account had been marked with a lien for tax avoidance. These messages often mention that important paperwork had been returned due to being signed incorrectly or not at all. This is a tell-tale sign of a phishing scam aimed at extracting personal information from unsuspecting individuals.
Why This Is a Scam
- Impersonation: Scammers commonly impersonate government entities like the ATO due to the authority they wield over personal financial matters.
- Fear Tactics: The fear of legal consequences often manipulates victims into providing sensitive information.
- False Claims: Messages from this number frequently contain threats of action rather than any legitimate communication from the ATO.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6100 3737
If you receive a call from this number, it's crucial to remain calm and report the incident instead of engaging with the caller:
- Do Not Provide Personal Information: Never disclose sensitive information, such as your tax file number or banking details.
- Hang Up: Conclude the call as quickly as possible if you suspect any wrongdoing.
- Block the Number: To prevent future headaches, consider blocking this number on your device.
- Report it: Notify the Australian Cyber Security Centre or the ATO about the scam to help protect others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 02 6100 3737 / 0261003737 is classified as a phishing scam number, targeting individuals with fake claims linked to the ATO. Users are advised to remain vigilant and use resources like Reverseau for a reverse phone lookup in Australia when in doubt about missed calls. Awareness and prompt action are your best tools in preventing potential victimisation from these scam attempts.