- Scam
02 5937 5161 (0259375161): One contributor reports a scam call impersonating McAfee, claiming unauthorised PayPal charge of $451.99 with urgent pressure to act.
McAfee Impersonation Reports for 02 5937 5161
A contributor has reported receiving a scam call from 02 5937 5161 (also written as 0259375161) impersonating McAfee antivirus support. The caller claimed that $451.99 had been unauthorised charged to the contributor's PayPal account, creating immediate alarm designed to pressure quick action without verification.
This type of impersonation targets people's concerns about their payment accounts and security software. The number 0259375161 was allocated as a local service in NSW, but the scam appears designed to bypass caller ID trust by leveraging a familiar brand name.
What the Caller from 02 5937 5161 Claimed
The contributor reported the caller stated that McAfee had charged $451.99 to their PayPal account without authorisation. This specific dollar amount adds false credibility to the scam. The caller's goal was almost certainly to either convince the contributor to grant remote access to their computer or to trick them into making a payment to "reverse" the charge.
The urgency embedded in this approach is deliberate. By claiming an unauthorised charge, the caller creates panic that overrides normal scepticism. The contributor received this call answered, meaning they engaged with the caller before recognising the deception.
Report Patterns and Timing
This single report about 02 5937 5161 was logged in April 2026. While only one contributor has flagged this number to date, McAfee impersonation scams are a known tactic used by criminals to gain remote access to computers or steal payment details. The fact that the scam specifically referenced a real PayPal charge amount suggests the caller may have had access to partial account information.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 5937 5161
If 02 5937 5161 calls you:
- Do not: Provide any personal information, grant remote access, or send money to reverse a charge
- Do not: Call back the number or click any links they provide
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller claims to be from McAfee, PayPal, or your bank
- Do: Independently verify any charge by logging directly into your PayPal account (not via a link from the caller)
- Do: Contact McAfee or PayPal using their official contact details from their legitimate websites
- Do: Block 0259375161 if the number calls again
How to Report 02 5937 5161
If you receive a scam call from 02 5937 5161, report it to:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - document the caller's exact claims and any information you provided
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - report the unwanted call for investigation
- PayPal directly: If the scam referenced your PayPal account, notify PayPal through your account settings to flag suspicious activity
- Reverseau: Report your experience with 02 5937 5161 to help other Australians identify this number
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Saying McAfee took $451.99 from a PayPal account
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the scammer claim McAfee charged my PayPal account?
Impersonating trusted brands like McAfee creates false credibility. By naming a real dollar amount ($451.99), the scammer tried to convince you the charge was genuine. In reality, 02 5937 5161 has no connection to McAfee. The urgency tactic is designed to panic you into complying before you can verify independently.
What would the caller have done if I'd engaged further with 0259375161?
The scammer's next step would likely be either convincing you to grant remote access to your computer (to steal banking details or install malware) or tricking you into sending money as a "reversal fee." Never give remote access or send money to unknown callers claiming to represent companies like McAfee or PayPal.
How can I check if McAfee or PayPal actually charged me?
Log directly into your PayPal account using your internet browser or official PayPal app-never use links or phone numbers provided by the caller from 02 5937 5161. Review your transaction history. If you don't recognise a charge, dispute it through PayPal's resolution centre. Contact PayPal using the phone number on the back of your card or their official website, not the caller's number.
Should I call 02 5937 5161 back to dispute the charge?
No. Do not call 0259375161 back under any circumstances. The number is being used for scam purposes. If you believe your PayPal account has been compromised, contact PayPal directly using their official website or your account documents-never return a call from a number that contacted you first claiming there's an urgent problem.
Is this a common scam tactic?
Yes. Impersonating well-known security and payment brands is a widespread scam method. Criminals count on your trust in companies like McAfee and PayPal to bypass your scepticism. The urgency of claiming an unauthorised charge forces you to act quickly without thinking critically. Always pause, hang up, and verify independently using official channels.
What should I do if I already provided information to the caller from 02 5937 5161?
Contact your bank and PayPal immediately to lock your accounts and monitor for fraud. Report the call to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au). If you granted remote access, run a full antivirus scan and consider changing all passwords from a secure device. Document everything about the call for authorities.