02 5138 7913 - 0251387913: PayPal Impersonation Robocall

• Scam

02 5138 7913 (0251387913): Contributor reports automated PayPal impersonation robocall claiming unauthorised $400 payment. ACT-based local number.

PayPal Impersonation Robocall from 02 5138 7913

One contributor has reported receiving an automated call from 02 5138 7913 (also written as 0251387913) impersonating PayPal. The call featured a recorded message claiming to enquire about a $400 payment, with a noticeable delay before the message played - a common robocall pattern used to identify active phone numbers.

This ACT-based local number from Symbio Networks is being used to deliver a pre-recorded scam message designed to appear legitimate by invoking PayPal's name. The $400 payment reference is a social engineering tactic intended to prompt immediate concern and callback from the recipient.

What the Robocall from 02 5138 7913 Claims

The automated message from 02 5138 7913 specifically mentions a $400 payment enquiry, creating urgency by implying an unauthorised or suspicious transaction on the recipient's PayPal account. The initial silence before the message plays is characteristic of robocall detection systems - these systems pause to confirm a human answered before delivering the pre-recorded script.

The use of PayPal's name is deliberate impersonation. Legitimate PayPal notifications come through your account dashboard, email from verified PayPal addresses, or a verified phone number associated with your account - never as an unsolicited robocall with generic payment amounts.

Report Details and Timing

The call to 0251387913 was answered by the contributor, suggesting the number actively targets recipients who pick up. The delay before audio playback indicates an automated dialling system attempting to connect the call to a live agent or recording. This detection-based approach is commonly used by scammers to filter out answering machines and disconnected numbers.

The contributor's willingness to answer suggests the number may appear legitimate due to its ACT local service allocation, making recipients more likely to engage compared to overseas or suspicious-looking numbers.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 5138 7913

If 02 5138 7913 calls you:

• Do not: Press any keys, confirm your identity, or provide account information in response to the recorded message
• Do not: Call back the number or any number mentioned in the message
• Do: Hang up immediately when you hear the delay or pre-recorded message
• Do: Block the number on your phone
• Do: Log into your PayPal account directly (using paypal.com, not any link from the call) to verify your actual payment status
• Do: Contact PayPal directly using the verified phone number on your account statement or official PayPal website if you have concerns

How to Report 02 5138 7913

If you receive this robocall from 02 5138 7913 or 0251387913:

• Report it to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au - include the date, time, and content of the call
• Report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the PayPal impersonation claim
• Report the call to PayPal directly through your account settings or via paypal.com - they track impersonation attempts using their name
• If you're in Australia and receive unwanted marketing calls, register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au
• Share your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number

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