(02) 6100 3910

Voicemail was left via my mobile number. Message was a computer generated voice (text-to-speech, sounded particularly serious, somewhat menacing) saying:

"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 the number of the ATO tax crime division. The number is 02 6100 3910. Repeat 02 6100 3910. This is officer John Smith and I am working with the ATO tax crime division. Now if you fail to return the call, or in case I don't hear from your attorney either, then the only thing I can do is wish you good luck as the situation unfolds on you. Goodbye.".

...quite a startling message to receive, though clearly a scam, the use of a generated voice made it feel quite serious. I can imagine someone in a vulnerable position might be quite by it and respond.

Out of curiosity, to get more info, I called back with my number blocked / in private mode. When doing so the call connects briefly then drops off. I am assuming that the system is watching for a caller id, and may answer if one is supplied.

Computer generated voice claiming to be Agent John Smith (ha!) from ATO (pronounced "atto" by the robot). Asking to call a number. Phishing SCAM!!!

SCAM!!!

Told me they were calling from the ATO and had a refund of $741 to put in my account. ASked for my Debit Card details to refund me within 10 minutes.

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION.

Automated message from some ATO fraudster saying they are me. Don't believe a word they say, I don't want your money.

Indian bloke saying he is from ato, terrible reception, says I owe money, and I need to update my debit card details with them.

Same robot ATO scam call received on my mobile.

Scam calling from ATO my ass!

ATO Phishing scam.

Automated message supposed from John Smith of the ATO Tax Crime Division requesting a call back on 0261003910. Scam.

Have just received the same stupid recorded message from this number. Surely ATO can have it investigated and barred?

Have had 3 calls in total now over 3 days, 'John Smith' from the ATO about a serious tax matter and if I don't call back this instance I'll be taken to court.

Report this to the ATO as it all helps, but this is definitely a scam, the ATO are required to give you personal Identification numbers and References numbers.

I've received these calls and messages twice this week. Haven't responded but still really annoying. Apparently the ATO are aware of it. Surely the location/user of this number can be traced by the federal police?

Yeah, my red flag was that it's a Saturday and NO government agency would be working on a weekend...

Just missed a call from this number. Message left, Robot voice. ATO crime division blah blah good luck if I don't call back. Yeah right.

Yep, just got John Smith calling me. Do people really fall for this?

Same. From WA. Have recorded the message (for what its worth) 2409.

Scam call.

I don't answer calls from unknown numbers. When I checked the voicemail it was from a John Smith (complete with autotuned American voice) claiming to from the Australian Taxation Office. Same spiel - tax debt, urgent, pay immediately, legal action, etc. - and that I or my "attorney" needed to contact them asap. Pffft.

I just received this scammer call, so I hung up the phone and blocked the number straight away.

Same here, couldn't receive the call, he left a voice mail and wished me good luck if I don't call him back the very next second of listening the voicemail. lolxxx.

Same ad all the others Threats etc American accent. I spoke to him and said is this the Austria. Taxation Office and he said yes. I said no its not and you are a scammer and I am going to report you. He hung up. I hope not too many people fall for this and the ATO does something about it.

Luckily I missed the call but listened to the voicemail, from John Smith and if I didn't take action good luck to me. Very obvious scam to me especially with a name like John Smith!

Detective John Smith from the ATO Tax Crime division asking me to call him right back.

Just got the call, had a threatening voicemail from a 'Jack Austin', called back and advised an audit on my account meant I owed the ATO $2400, and that they tried "numerous" times to mail and call me, and that I will face court tomorrow unless the debt is paid in full. Said he could only take credit card or a 'load and go' card (which he mentioned has a limit of $900 so I'll need multiples). That was an idiotic mistake by him. I said, email me the details so the lawyer and accountant can take a look before I pay, to which he said he can only send paperwork after the bill is paid. Stupid mistake #2. I then asked for all his details, and this came up, so I spent the next minute reading him some of his feedback from happy customers, to which he said "so if I have this right, you will not pay your debt today and prefer to fight this in court?", to which I replied "see you in court, motherf*cker".

Yea in my case it was John Right same number 0261003910. They seem to be calling Queensland mainly for some reason. But same story we are from the ATO and he wouldn't actually say what he wanted he just kept trying to make me believe his identity.

Got the same call, I'm assuming majority of people getting owned own small businesses which are advertised?

I'll wait for the bill in the mail :p.

Detective John Smith just left a message on my mobile also. He said if I didn't contact me good luck as it all unravels before me. Doubt it - idiots.

Had the same call just now! Threatened me that he was from the ATO detective team, and that an audit on my file revealed a $1726 discrepancy - I needed to pay immediately via credit card or we can 'fight' this in court. I googled the number while on the phone and this site came up. He said he can only send paperwork to me after I pay the amount. Idiots.

Just received a call from 'John Smith' claiming he works for the ATO. Clearly a scam as the ATO contacts my accountant, not me, and we have lawyers not attorneys in Australia.

Received a call from John Smith too and I reported it to the ATO. This is a scam.

Just got a call saying john smith from a to crime unit, it's automated and fake don't return call people it's a scam.

Just got a message from this number - crazy message from Officer Smith from the ATO....

Have received 3 calls now from John Smith from the ATO Crime Unit asking me to call a number (can't remember the number). Creepy and disturbing, but ludicrous.

Received two missed calls from this number. I didn't answer them, but there is no reason anymore to get phone calls from people we don't know or who don't have our email addresses. Not calling back.

Big scam.

They called my wife today.

She panicked.

Do not provide any of your personal information.

Hilarious call from automated voice Detective John Smith from the ATO.

Spam call American accent saying from ATO, very urgent bla bla.

Received the same phone call as Tim from a computerised "John Smith" and the same threat about best of luck as situation unfolds.

Received an hilarious voice-sythesized message telling me that I must call Detective John Smith from the ATO Crime Department and that if I don't, then "the best of luck as the situation unfolds on me". ROTFL :-).

23 Nov 2015 - received a call from a women offering investment opportunities.