02 4058 2996: Scam Alert - Impersonating Commonwealth Bank

• Scam
• Suspicious

The number 02 4058 2996 has been reported as a scam, impersonating the Commonwealth Bank. Discover how to handle calls from this number and protect yourself from potential fraud.

Assessing the Threat of 02 4058 2996

The phone number 02 4058 2996 / 0240582996 has become a common source of concern among Australians. User reports consistently classify this number as a scam, specifically targeting individuals by falsely presenting itself as the Commonwealth Bank, particularly in Newcastle. Below, we delve into the nature of this scam and how to manage unwanted calls.

Understanding the Scam

Multiple users have indicated that calls from this number feature automated messages claiming to be from the Commonwealth Bank. As detailed in various 2022 and 2023 reviews, none of the contacted individuals lived in Newcastle, raising immediate red flags about the legitimacy of these calls. It appears that the callers are not associated with the Commonwealth Bank, as confirmed by direct communication with the bank's head office, which denies any connection to these calls.

Characteristics of This Scam

1. Impersonation of a Trustworthy Institution: By posing as the Commonwealth Bank, scammers aim to exploit the trust that customers place in established financial institutions.

2. Lack of Personalised Service: Incidents have been reported where recipients receive an automated message instead of speaking to a real representative. Legitimate organisations typically offer human interaction and relevant details regarding voice calls.

3. Suspicious Call Timing: Calls have been noted to happen late in the evening, with users receiving requests to return calls to a 1300 number. This is particularly concerning, as reputable businesses tend to operate within standard business hours.

How to Handle Calls from 02 4058 2996

If you receive a call from this number, follow these important steps:

• Do not engage: Avoid responding to automated messages or providing personal information.
• Verify independently: Contact the Commonwealth Bank directly using official numbers found on their legitimate website or communication.
• Report the call: Use a service like Reverseau to report the number and warn others about potential scams.
• Block the number: To prevent future calls, consider blocking this number on your device.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, 02 4058 2996 / 0240582996 is indeed a number associated with a scam, specifically manipulating its connection to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Always remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls and rely on reliable resources to verify unknown numbers. For more information on phone number safety and reporting scams, consider utilizing Reverse Phone Lookup Australia tools like Reverseau.