The best advice to avoid being scammed
Australians have forked out nearly $1 million to scammers in the past four months as operations become more and more sophisticated and appear legitimate. Here’s what you should do if you receive a robocall.
Tax time is prime time for scammers with robocalls increasing dramatically between July and November before the ATO’s tax bill due date.
Australians have handed over nearly $1 million to scammers in the past four months with that money coming from just 253 people.
EXCLUSIVE: Scammer confesses to fake ATO calls in stunning conversation
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One of the most popular scams reported in November has been a fake ATO robocall where an automated American voice claims “a lawsuit has been filed and you will be arrested.”
On Wednesday, The Daily Telegraph confronted a scammer who admitted his call wasn’t “legitimate” and that he was calling from overseas and not Australia as he had initially insisted.
“This is a scam,” the man confessed.
The Daily Telegraph recorded the call with the scammer’s consent — take a listen to the audio and read the unbelievable transcript HERE.
The Australian Taxation Office and NSW Police say while it is difficult to trace and shut down scam operations, the best advice is simply to hang up if you receive a robocall.
Here is a list of guidelines to avoid being scammed:
● If the voice threatens or abuses you or if you are unsure about the call, hang up immediately and contact Scamwatch or local police;
● Never provide your personal or banking details to a person who cold calls you;
● Be careful what personal information you provide over the phone, even if you are the person who made the call;
● Never provide your financial PIN or account passwords over the phone;
● Never transfer funds to a person or an account you do not know.
You can verify or report a scam with the ATO on 1800 008 540.
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