ATO Scams - Mount Druitt and Surrounding Suburbs Be Aware!

It is terrible to report that in our world there are people scamming innocent people, demanding payment of  great amount of funds immediately and using threats that the Australia Tax Office doesn't using.

I have recently spoken to a lady within our community, that this happened and was pressured to pay. The con artist called up representing the ATO Parramatta, stating a random audit has been completed with payment now due of $9,000*

He demanded payment to be paid within 1/2 an hour, all assets and properties all frozen, her employer will be notified of the non-payment and all of her fellow employees will be notified as well, as well as placing an all in the newspapers and you must not discuss this with anyone (even your husband).  2 letters were sent to the address:  one in March and one recently in September.

Payment must be made into  the ATO's BAT Counsel private account, which included an individual name, bsb, account number and she had to add her Tax File Number as a reference number on the original receipt of payment. This had to be sent to a mailing address in Parramatta.

The call was transferred to a representative of the Attorney General's Department who dealt with ensuring she made the payment. This lady immediately went to her bank and cash deposited the amount as required, as she was during this the representative from the Attorney General's Department kept her on the phone , ensuring she made the payment, if not $50K legal fees were beeing added.

Following all this she discussed what had  happened with her husband when he arrived home, asked him not to do anything and asked if this was sounding true.

Her husband next day contacted the ATO's switchboard asked for the name mentioned as their representative, they confirmed he wasn't known in Australian and no listing in Parramatta. Contact was made both with the Australian Attorney Generals Department and NSW Attorney Generals Department ( NSW Justice's) switchboard. Both confirmed the name of the Attorney General's Department is not listed with them.

This sent alarm bells of fraud - so he contact his bank and they suggest his wife contact the NSW Police to  obtain a "Police Envent  Number.

The lady after being told this from her husband, immediately contact the ATO, explained her circumstances and they confirmed it was a 'fraud scam' which is increasing! 

So if anyone gets calls like this it is suggested that you will call back the ATO yourself  on 13 28 65 - available 24 hours per day. This has been suggested by a representative of the Mount  Druitt Police and ATO well.

The scam can continue for days on end, when more funds can be extorted from the victim. It is suggested not to answer calls that you don't know, especially if the caller id is not known. Also contact the NSW Police if you know of a scam that has happened to yourself or others.


Police Assistance Line
Telephone: 131 444



* payment amount was a different amount, this is just an example amount.

This is from the Australian Federal Police  Face Book Group:
Peter Alexander What can be done about crank calls allegedly from tax office?

Australian Federal Police Peter, if the caller claims you are entitled to a refund, that you owe money or asks you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details like your tax file number, hang up. Never provide your personal details to a stranger.

You can always check whether they’re the real deal by calling the ATO on its official contact number: 13 28 61.

Scams can be reported via Scamwatch at: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Hope that helps!

Report a scam

scamwatch.gov.au

Click here for Scams that is happening with ATO