- Scam
02 5740 2044 (0257402044): Impersonation scam where caller posed as federal agent with fake badge, claiming warrant related to identity theft and stolen documents.
Federal Agent Impersonation Scam on 02 5740 2044
A contributor reported receiving a call from 02 5740 2044 (also written as 0257402044) where the caller impersonated a federal agent. The caller claimed to be an official named Evans with badge number 9183 and alleged involvement in a warrant investigation related to identity theft and stolen documents discovered during an airport search in Melbourne.
The caller used the contributor's name to establish apparent credibility and asked detailed questions about recent locations where identity documents had been used. When the contributor suggested it would be more appropriate to visit a local police station to discuss the matter, the caller immediately hung up. The contributor subsequently verified the call was fraudulent by contacting the Federal Police directly.
How the Scam Operated on 0257402044
The call from 02 5740 2044 displayed as originating from Willow Tree on the contributor's caller ID. The impersonator employed several manipulation tactics typical of this fraud type:
- Name usage: Called the recipient by their actual name to appear legitimate
- Fake credentials: Provided a specific badge number (9183) to mimic official authority
- Warrant narrative: Created a plausible scenario involving airport customs and identity theft
- Targeted questioning: Asked about recent identity document usage to gather personal information
- Pressure tactics: Implied urgency around a supposed warrant investigation
When faced with a suggestion to verify details in person at an official location, the caller's immediate disconnection revealed the fraudulent nature of the contact.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 5740 2044
If 0257402044 calls you claiming to be a federal agent or government official:
- Do not: Provide personal information, identity document details, bank account information, or confirm your name, address, or date of birth
- Do not: Return the call to any number the caller provides
- Do not: Allow the caller to pressure you into immediate action
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller becomes evasive when you suggest verifying their identity through official channels
- Do: Contact the relevant agency directly using the phone number listed on their official website (never use a number the caller provides)
- Do: Block 02 5740 2044 on your phone to prevent repeated contact
How to Verify Official Calls
Federal agencies, Services Australia, myGov, and police do not contact citizens by phone to demand information about identity documents, warrants, or outstanding matters without prior written notice. If you receive a call claiming to be from any government agency:
- End the call politely but firmly
- Look up the agency's official contact number on their government website (e.g., afp.gov.au for Australian Federal Police, servicesaustralia.gov.au for government services)
- Call that official number directly to verify whether they attempted to contact you
- Never use a number provided by the caller
How to Report 02 5740 2044
Report this impersonation scam through the following Australian government resources:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Report the scam and receive guidance on next steps
- Australian Federal Police: afp.gov.au or call 131 AFP (131 237) - Report impersonation of federal agents
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report the phone number for breach of telecommunications regulations
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - If the scam involved phishing, malware, or online compromise
You can also report your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify calls from 02 5740 2044 and similar numbers.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 5740 2044!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Claimed to be a federal agent, called me by name, Fake badge 9183, last name Evans. Warrant for some guy who was arrested and searched in Melbourne airport. Stolen identity documents.
02 5740 2044 showing as from Willow Tree. Asking questions about recent places I used identity documents, I said it would be easier to go to the police station and he hung up. Verified it was a fake call by calling Federal Police.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 5740 2044!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What did the caller from 02 5740 2044 claim to be investigating?
The caller from 02 5740 2044 (0257402044) claimed to be a federal agent named Evans investigating identity theft and stolen documents. They referenced a warrant related to an arrest and airport search in Melbourne, attempting to create urgency around the false investigation.
Why did the caller from 0257402044 hang up when asked to meet at a police station?
The immediate disconnection when the contributor suggested verifying details in person at a police station exposed the scam. Legitimate federal agents conduct serious investigations through proper legal channels, not through phone calls asking for identity document details. Real agents would welcome verification through official means.
How can I tell if a call claiming to be from federal authorities is real?
Legitimate federal agencies do not call citizens demanding information about identity documents or warrants. If you receive a call from 02 5740 2044 or another number claiming to be federal authorities, hang up and call the agency directly using the number on their official website (e.g., 131 AFP for Australian Federal Police). Never use a number the caller provides.
What information was the caller from 02 5740 2044 trying to gather?
The caller from 0257402044 asked detailed questions about recent locations where the contributor had used their identity documents. This is a common tactic to gather personal information and establish false credibility while learning about the target's movements and financial habits.
Should I call back 02 5740 2044 to verify if the call was real?
No. Do not call back any number from a suspected scam call, including 02 5740 2044. Instead, independently look up the official contact number for the relevant agency on their website and call them directly to verify whether they attempted to contact you.
What should I do if I already provided information to the caller from 0257402044?
Contact the relevant agency directly (e.g., Australian Federal Police at 131 AFP or your bank) to report the call from 0257402044 and any information you may have disclosed. Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. You can also report the number on Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and to ACMA at acma.gov.au.