ATO scammer cracks under questioning from target, launches into foul-mouthed rant
A quick-thinking Queensland lawyer has turned the tables on a scammer claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), sending him into an expletive-ridden rant.
And he's got the audio to prove it.
Caboolture lawyer James Torcetti, who shared the audio with ABC News, said it was just for fun.
"I get similar calls like this a lot. I know it's a scam, they don't change their ploy," he said.
"So I call them back as often as I can."
Mr Torcetti said the calls were all for his own amusement.
"That's probably one of the best reactions [I've had]. They folded really quickly," he said.
"Even the slightest bit of pressure about the law and he folded."
Mr Torcetti said he was never able to keep the scammers on the phone for too long.
"I ask too many questions too early."
Days later a Brisbane man shared his own scam recording with ABC News.
'We don't recommend interacting with them'
The real ATO said it did not recommend people calling scam numbers.
Assistant Commissioner Kath Anderson said scammers were using sophisticated techniques to get personal information.
"We don't recommend interacting with them any further than required," Ms Anderson said.
"If you think you're being targeted by a scammer, hang up the phone and report the scammer to the ATO.
"Your reports help us understand how these scams work and may help us protect other taxpayers from becoming victims.
"You should be wary of emails, faxes, SMS and phone calls claiming to be from the ATO that you weren't expecting."
Here is a full transcript of Mr Torcetti's call:
Scammer: Australian Taxation Office, how may I help you?
James: Oh hi, I received a call from an Alexander Lee about an outstanding tax debt.
Scammer: Yes this is Alexander Lee, how may I help you, sir?
James: I'm sorry ...
Scammer: Am I speaking to James?
James: Yeah, speaking.
Scammer: Yes James, the reason we were trying to reach you is because there is a legal lawsuit and a warrant that's been issued against your name by the Australian Taxation Office.
Scammer: So I need to have your lawyer name and number who will be able to represent you.
James: Oh OK, what's the charges?
Scammer: Sorry?
James: What's the charges?
Scammer: Charges are that you are not lodging your taxes properly ...
James: When was it due?
Scammer: It was in the year of 2014 to 2016
James: Oh OK, did you talk to my accountant?
Scammer: Why should I speak to your accountant? He's just lodging the tax that we have of you. You are responsible ...
James: So you've called my accountant have you?
Scammer: Sorry?
James: So you have called my accountant?
Scammer: No, I haven't called your accountant.
James: So why do you want to speak to my lawyer?
Scammer: Because there are legal charges against your name.
James: What are the legal charges? What act is it under? What section? What are the facts?
Scammer: Wh...
James: Where's my summons?
Scammer: What we can do is ...
James: Where's my summons?
Scammer: Listen to me mother f***er ...
James: Oh ...
Scammer: Listen to me mother f***er ... what I'm going to do is ...
James: The ATO now calls people mother f***ers?
Scammer: You are a mother f***er.
James: Oh ... so the ATO now calls people mother f***ers?
The scammer hangs up
James: Well that was fun.
Stay in touch with recent scams through the ACCC's Scamwatch and Fair Trading's Scams page.