There are several ‘SCAMS’ doing the rounds lately including people pretending to be from local Melbourne Police Stations. The most prevalent is the one where someone is claiming to be from the ATO or Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Department and citing that there has been a warrant issued for your arrest (or similar wording).
SCAMwatch has issued the following information :
Scammers have recently been calling Australians telling them that there is a warrant out for their arrest. Many people have reported to SCAMwatch that messages have been recorded on their answering machines asking them to call back later. One of the telephone numbers provided is 02 6100 3027, among many others, and they ask you to call during office hours to discuss the matter further. However, the telephone number has no connection with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Taxation Office or any other state or commonwealth department.
Be on guard, if you receive a phone call from someone saying there is an arrest warrant issued and asking you to pay a fee, hang up and do not respond. If in doubt, don’t use the contact details provided – look up the government department or organisation yourself and phone or visit them (in person) to verify.
You can report an ATO-related scam by phoning the ATO on 1800 008 540