- Suspicious
- Scam
Beware of 02 6698 4027, a phone number reported by users as an ATO scam. Our article discusses common tactics used in this fraud and provides guidance on handling calls from this number.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6698 4027
The phone number 02 6698 4027 / 0266984027 has been flagged by Australian users as a deceptive scam call posing as a representative from the Australia Taxation Office (ATO). This fraudulent scheme aims to intimidate individuals into providing personal information regarding alleged tax fraud or evasion.
What the Scammers are Trying to Do
Numerous reports indicate that the callers, using names such as "Marcus Motz" or "Marcus North," claim to be from the ATO's Fraud Department, detailing fictitious allegations concerning tax issues. They typically threaten legal consequences to elicit fear in the victim, hoping it will prompt an immediate response.
- Recording Features: Victims have described recordings that sound scripted, with mispronounced legal terms and phrases. The call includes requests for victims to contact the number directly, which is a common tactic employed by scam artists.
- Unusual Timing: As cited by a user, the calls frequently occur late into the evening, indicating a lack of legitimacy, as federal officials typically operate within business hours.
- Vulnerability Exploitation: Scammers take advantage of public fear surrounding tax inquiries, leveraging it to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6698 4027
If you receive a call from this number, consider the following steps:
- Do Not Engage: Do not provide any personal or financial information to the caller.
- Verification: Hang up and contact ATO directly through their official website or known customer service number to confirm any claims made by the caller.
- Report the Call: Make a report of the scam call to authorities such as Scamswatch or local consumer protection services to help raise awareness about this fraudulent practice.
Understanding how these scams operate can protect your personal information and mitigate the threat they pose. For more insights into local numbers and to identify potential scams, utilize Reverseau for a comprehensive Reverse Phone Lookup Australia.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Received a call identical to the one Tod mentioned except he used the name Marcus North.
I will copy below the exact wording of the message that appeared on my answering machine.
"Hi, this is Marcus Motz [I can not understand precisely his surname on my recording] calling you from ATO, Australia Taxation Office representing the CDPP, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. We have received a legal petition filed against your name regarding tax evasion and tax fraud. We want you or your retain attorney of record to return the call. The hotline number to call us back is oh2double6984zero27 [02 6698 4027]. I repeat, oh2double6984zero27. Again, this is Marcus Motz calling you from ATO, Australia Taxation Office.".
He used the word "Australia" rather than "Australian" both times he used the word. Both times he mentioned ATO he did not precede it with "the", an exclusion typical within the speech of an Eastern European person. He also used the word "retain" rather than your "retained" attorney. The telephone number he quoted was quoted exactly the same both times and it sounded like a read script. When he used the word "representing" he pronounced it as represen tate ing like the word take but with a t, "tate", in the middle of the word. Most of us could do better.
I may call him back just for fun and ask him my details rather than give him any information. The call came in at 3:09pm Perth time and, of course, since the eastern states are 3 hours ahead of Perth that would have made it 6:09pm in Sydney when he made the call. Even 5:09 would have been questionable but do you know of any federal government official who would work that late chasing tax dodgers? I wish I had money enough to have at least gotten a little bit nervous.
I will copy below the exact wording of the message that appeared on my answering machine.
"Hi, this is Marcus Motz [I can not understand precisely his surname on my recording] calling you from the ATO, Australia Taxation Office representing the CDPP, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. We have received a legal petition filed against your name regarding tax evasion and tax fraud. We want you or your retain attorney of record to return the call. The hotline number to call us back is oh2double6984zero27 [02 6698 4027]. I repeat, oh2double6984zero27. Again, this is Marcus Motz calling you from ATO, Australia Taxation Office." Thank You.
He used the word "Australia" rather than "Australian" both times he used the word. Both times he mentioned ATO he did not precede it with "the", an exclusion typical within the speech of an Eastern European person. He also use the word "retain" rather than your "retained" attorney. The telephone number he quoted was quoted exactly the same both times and it sounded like a read script. Most of us could do better. When he used the word "representing" he pronounced it as represen tate ing like the word take but with a t, "tate" in the middle of the word.
I may call him back just for fun and ask him my details rather than give him any information. The call came in at 3:09pm Perth time and, of course, since the eastern states are 3 hours ahead of Perth that would have made it 6:09pm in Sydney when he made the call. Even 5:09 would have been questionable but do you know of any federal government official who would work that late chasing tax dodgers? I wish I had money enough to have at least gotten a little bit nervous.
Received phone call from above number saying from the ATO Fraud Department and they were checking into my tax fraud. I'm sure this is a scam.