IF you get a threatening phone call from the Australian Tax Office, just hang up.
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One Inverell resident said it just happened to her, and felt concerned for local vulnerable people. She preferred to remain anonymous, but wished to raise the alarm.
“They threatened me and threatened me and (said) the police are coming to get me because of tax evasions, they’re going to take me to the courthouse,” she said. “People should be warned about this.
“There’s a lot of elderly people, and I’m one of them, but I’m not stupid, but people do fall for this and they panic.”
She said it did not trouble her but kept the message on her phone and phoned the police.
The phoned the Inverell police, and they directed her to Scamwatch to report the problem.
The Inverell resident was not the first person struck.
Reverse Call Australia alone has several complaints about the number the resident was instructed to call, earning the NSW number a 100 per cent spam score. The real Australia Taxation Office (ATO), said they were aware of the scam.
“The fraudsters have expanded their approach, including digital recorded messages and text messages in addition to the standard voice calls.”
The spokesperson said the ATO takes taxpayer privacy seriously, and raised several warning signs the call is a scam.
“The ATO would never cold call you about a debt; our operating hours are 8am–6pm - we would never ask you to call us before 7am; the ATO does not use digital recorded messaging; and the ATO would never threaten jail or arrest,” the spokesperson said.
“If you receive a call from the ATO and are concerned about its legitimacy, ask for the caller’s name and phone them back through the ATO’s switchboard on 13 28 69.”
People may contact the ATO on 13 28 61.
Additionally, people can register a suspected scam though Scamwatch on scamwatch.gov.au or phone 1300 795 995.