Gogglebox star Adam Densten has fallen prey to an insidious scam that saw his identity stolen and used to commit tax fraud.
The reality TV star shared his terrifying experience on The Adam and Symon show podcast this week, gravely telling his co-host Symon Lovett: 'I have had my identity stolen.'
Densten explained that he received a call from the Australian Tax Office asking him to provide a range of personal details.
Gogglebox star Adam Densten (pictured) has fallen prey to an insidious scam that saw his identity stolen and used to commit tax fraud
While the call initially appeared suspicious, it turned out the caller was genuinely from the ATO.
In fact, the information he learned during that phone call alerted him to a slickening scam in which criminals used his name to steal from the government.
'My phone rang. No caller ID. So I answer, and she goes: 'Hi, it's Linda from the Australian tax office, is that Adam? I said, 'How do I know you're from the tax office, Linda?'' he explained.
The reality TV star shared his terrifying experience on The Adam and Symon show podcast this week, gravely telling his co-host Symon Lovett (left): 'I have had my identity stolen'
Densten explained that he received a call from the Australian Tax Office asking him to provide a range of personal details
'She goes, 'I get this all the time. Here's the number. Google it, find that it's the official ATO website then call this number. It'll send you straight back to me, I guarantee.'' she continued.
Densten admitted he 'wasn't convinced' that Linda was from the ATO, yet decided to share details such as his home address and BSB anyway.
He continued: 'I gave up my [bank] account number, and she goes: 'That's not the account we have registered. Have you got a big refund in your account from the tax office? About 10 grand.' And I was like, 'No...''.
Densten said: 'Somebody has registered an Australian business number in my name, claimed tax credits of GST of about 10-20 grand in March and in June. And then taken $25 thousand from the tax office illegally to an address and stolen the money under my name.'
It was at that moment Densten realised he'd become the victim of a tax scam.
'Oh my god!' Lovett gasped.
Densten replied: 'Somebody has registered an Australian business number in my name, claimed tax credits of GST of about 10-20 grand in March and in June. And then taken $25 thousand from the tax office illegally to an address and stolen the money under my name.'
'Well, that's because you keep giving your details over the phone. Makes perfect sense!' Lovett scolded, sending Densten into a fit of laughter.
Denesten and best friend Lovett found fame starring on Channel 10 reality Gogglebox Australia
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