Latest ATO Scam

Just in – an Adelaide man received an automated phone message demanding payment for a debt and warning of a warrant for his arrest. We’ve heard this one before but …

… around half an hour later, he was approached at his house by two men identifying as police officers, brandishing an eftpos machine, demanding he pay his “debt” by credit card.

When the victim asked the men to produce identification, they ran off.

According to a statement by the SA Police: “A quick call to the ATO confirmed there was no outstanding tax debt and the victim immediately reported the matter to police, ” They are encouraging anyone who has experienced a similar incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

According to the ACCC following the below steps will help protect you against such scams:

  • If you receive a phone call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from the Commonwealth DPP or Australian Taxation Office telling you about an arrest warrant, hang up.
  • If you have any doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a government department, contact the body directly.
  • Don’t rely on numbers, email addresses or websites provided by the caller — find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
  • Never send money via wire transfer to anyone you do not know or trust.
  • Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
  • If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Remember, as one of our valued clients, if you are ever in doubt feel free to call our office on 02 4782 1148 and we can check with the ATO on your behalf.

If you’ve experienced anything like this, why not share it with our Facebook community (after calling Crime Stoppers of course!)?

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