a message left on my phone "very urgent relating to a tax fraud". When i returned the call, they answered with "AUstralian Tax Office" and so I demanded their name, to which they replied "Peter Williams" (chap had a very strong Indian accent) and when I demanded which office they were in they quickly hung up.

Pls note that this ATO threatening call/message, has no name is mentioned. It means they do this to everyboday from the white pages phone books.
Hopefully the Sydney police office will be able to stop them from ATO scam. Some elderly would get scared easily by them and may course their health problems...

The same message , the sane voice, the same threats ..on 13/05 and today but different phone number...police called , number reported.. First time in panick I called back and talk with person who was so arrogant , did not give her any ID , second time I did do any action ,, so scary what people can think this days !!!

Yep the scam is still going just had the same call

Message stated a law suite against our name, call the ATO. Urgent.
Realised it was scam. Very hard to understand the thick indian accent.
We are most angry that this happens.

Same as everyone else. Reported to Scamwatch

The call-back could be charged on your account at a premium rate and they could steal your identity.

Had this call a few days ago along with a similar one this morning from a different number. They use a very, very threatening tone and is quite scary. My heart skipped a beat this morning when I listened to my answering machine message... however, I do not know of anyone from the ATO who speaks with an Indian accent that thick and under no circumstances would the ATO cold-call people with such a threatening message. There'd be specific steps the ATO has to take first BEFORE pursuing fraud prosecutions over tax evasion.

As reported in other comments, the caller left a message threatening arrest at my address due to tax fraud. It's not from the tax office as they always use the same (local) number.

had a call this morning from (02) 6064 2048...an automated machine which left a message saying I needed to call the ATO urgently and not to disregard the message otherwise they will have to "take further action".. I called the ATO on 13 28 65 and reported that I suspected it was a scam of some sort. ATO are forwarding details on to police.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that an authentic message from the tax office wouldn't have a think accent either.

So what happens if someone does actually call back and give them their details?

Its a scam!

(02) 6064 2039 this number being used for a scam saying that you owe money and if you don't pay,legal action will be taken. (Blackburn Victoria)

Tax scam - rang ATO, they are aware of it. Real ATO number is an Australian local call cost number 13 28 65.

A lady from ATO confirmed that they would send an automated phone message from the ATO, and they dont jump to a warrant for arrest

Automated message asking you to call back. Regret to inform you that your accounts have been closed. Suggesting that you have evaded tax and have not signed forms, avoid legal action by calling the number.

Scammer call supposedly from the tax office. Says that accounts are closed and to contact lawyers!!