- Scam
Community report for 02 3820 3718 (0238203718): Caller impersonated Google and attempted to obtain verification code details.
Google Impersonation Report for 02 3820 3718
A contributor has reported receiving a scam call from 02 3820 3718 (also written as 0238203718) where the caller pretended to be contacting from Google. The caller's stated purpose was to fish for details about a verification code, a common tactic used to gain unauthorised access to email accounts and linked services.
This type of impersonation targets the trust people place in major technology companies. By posing as Google, the caller on 0238203718 attempted to manipulate the recipient into revealing sensitive authentication information that would enable account takeover.
What the Caller from 02 3820 3718 Attempted
According to the report, the caller from 02 3820 3718 claimed to represent Google and sought information about verification codes. This is a direct credential-harvesting approach where the scammer exploits the normal authentication process people use to secure their accounts.
The impersonation of Google is particularly effective because most people receive legitimate security notifications from their email provider. A call claiming to be from Google asking about verification codes can seem plausible, especially if the recipient has recently logged in from a new device or location.
Why Verification Code Information Matters
Verification codes are temporary credentials sent via SMS or generated by authenticator apps to confirm your identity. If someone obtains this code, they can bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account and related services like Gmail, Google Drive, and any connected apps.
The contributor who received the call from 0238203718 appropriately did not share this information, preventing potential account compromise.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 3820 3718
If 02 3820 3718 calls you or any similar number claims to be from Google:
- Do not: Share verification codes, recovery codes, or passwords with anyone calling you
- Do not: Click links or download files sent during the call
- Do not: Return the call to the number that contacted you
- Do: Hang up immediately and call Google directly using the phone number on your account statement or official Google website
- Do: Check your account security directly through your Google account settings at myaccount.google.com
- Do: Block the number 02 3820 3718 on your phone to prevent future contact
How to Report 02 3820 3718
If you receive a similar call from 0238203718 or any number impersonating Google:
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, including the time and what was said
- Report to Google Security at accounts.google.com/security-checkup
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if funds or personal information were compromised
- Contribute your experience to Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
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Pretended to be from Google, fishing for details about verification code
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Should I give my verification code to anyone who calls claiming to be from Google?
No. Google will never call you asking for your verification code. Legitimate Google security alerts come via email or within your account settings, not phone calls. The caller from 02 3820 3718 using this tactic was attempting to bypass your account security. Hang up and verify any security concerns by logging into your Google account directly.
Why would someone impersonating Google want my verification code?
A verification code provides temporary access to your account. If a scammer from 0238203718 or similar obtains your code, they can log in as you, even if they don't know your password. Once inside your Google account, they can access your email, reset your password permanently, and use your account to contact your friends, access your bank details, and compromise other services linked to Google.
How can I verify if a call about my Google account is real?
Genuine security calls from Google are extremely rare. The safest approach is to never engage with unsolicited calls about your accounts. If you're concerned about your Google account security, log into myaccount.google.com directly from a web browser and check your Security settings. If you received a suspicious call from 02 3820 3718, review your recent account activity and change your password immediately.
What should I do if I accidentally gave my verification code to the caller from 02 3820 3718?
Act immediately. Change your Google password at myaccount.google.com using a different device if possible. Review your Recent Security Events in your Google Account to check for unauthorised access. Enable 2-Step Verification if you haven't already. Monitor linked services (email, bank, social media) for unauthorised changes. Report the number 0238203718 to ACMA at acma.gov.au and Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Can I block 02 3820 3718 on my phone?
Yes. Most smartphones allow you to block numbers directly. After blocking 0238203718, you won't receive further calls from that number. However, scammers often use different numbers each time they call. If you receive similar calls from other numbers, block those too and report the pattern to Scamwatch and ACMA.
What is the difference between this call and a real Google security alert?
Real Google security alerts arrive via email to your registered address or appear when you log into your account. Google does not call you asking for passwords, verification codes, or recovery codes. The call from 02 3820 3718 impersonating Google was a social engineering attempt. If you ever receive an unsolicited phone call claiming to be from Google, it is not legitimate.