- Scam
Learn about the phone number 02 6145 0391, a scam number impersonating Centrelink. Discover how to identify this type of fraud and protect yourself from scams.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 6145 0391
The phone number 02 6145 0391 / 0261450391 has been reported repeatedly by users as a serious scam, impersonating the services of Centrelink, Australia's Department of Human Services. This scam involves callers providing false information regarding alleged underpayment of pensions, aiming to elicit personal details and monetary transactions from victims.
Category: Scam
Users who have received calls from this number have reported attempts from individuals claiming to be Centrelink representatives, specifically indicating they have a financial benefit awaiting recipients. This scam is particularly manipulative as it preys on individuals who may be financially vulnerable or dealing with various issues related to government payments.
How the Scam Works
The pattern typically involves a recorded message instructing the recipient to return the call due to an “unresolved application.” Once individuals connect with the scammers, they are met with persuasive tactics, claiming funds are owed to them. These operators then direct victims to purchase gift cards—often iTunes cards—telling them this is necessary to access their supposed benefits.
- Manipulative Messaging: Scammers present themselves as authorities, creating a sense of urgency and importance to gain trust.
- Gift Card Payments: Legitimate institutions never request payment via gift cards; this is a significant red flag indicating a scam.
- Pressure Tactics: The scammers often push for immediate action, compelling victims to quickly comply and often cutting off further communication opportunities.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6145 0391
If you receive a call from this number, it is crucial to remember the following steps:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid providing any personal information or payment details.
- Verify Invitations: Contact Centrelink directly using their official contact channels to confirm any claims made during the call.
- Report the Incident: File a report with local authorities or use services like Reverseau to identify unknown numbers and share scam experiences.
Being aware of these scams is crucial. Stay proactive in verifying callers’ identities prior to divulging any personal information. For more details on unknown numbers, consider conducting a Reverse Phone Lookup with services aimed at identifying such scam or spam calls in Australia.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6145 0391!
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What Our Users Reviewed
I received a phone call message yesterday Monday November 13.2017 at about 4.00pm from Centrelink head office Canberra advising me to contact them by phoning 0261450391. I phoned that number which was engaged so I tried phoning 132300 the number for Centrelink contact information but this number was also engaged and when I got through on 0261450391 which I believed must have been a direct line I spoke to a person named Edward or Advard he was hard to understand in his broken English, he advised me that my local Centrelink office had tried to contact me a number of times but as they were unable to contact me they closed my case file and sent it to head office in Canberra. He gave me the impression he knew about my situation with Centrelink. I was advised that I had been under paid by $2.480 in my pension and an appointment would be made for me at my local office to sort out the problem. I was given a case number 080456 and for my case file to be returned to my local office a fee of $400 would be required to be paid by me in the form of an apple I tunes card obtainable at Coles or Woolworths and because of the inconvenience they had caused me I would be reimbursed that amount to now a total of $2.880. The "person" insisted I had time to quickly go to the supermarket and buy the I tunes card for the amount of $400 and come back and give him the details. I had no idea what a I tunes card was as I have never been aware of them or what they are used for. The appointment at my local office was made for 10.00am today and to see Sylvia Johnson and if I had any issues he could be contacted on extension 089 and Michael from accounts would contact me to confirm my appointment. Michael from accounts contacted me to confirm the appointment with Sylvia Johnson and advise me he was to arrange for the cheque for the amount on $2.880. Michael contacted me again and gave me the cheque number 2147009906 and told me as the amount was over $2.000 a bank charge of $500 dollars would need to be paid and would be reimbursed and a further $75 dollars would be paid to me making a total of $3.455. After this whole issue and realised I was caught up in a very well organised scam. I thought I was a very careful person and my senses have been able to detect scams in the past but due to the circumstances I have at the moment with Centrelink I was caught but not done with I reported this matter to the local police who were kind enough to interview me at my home late on Monday night. I hope the police catch these terrible people.
Its Indian scammers claiming to be Centrelink owing you money.. In the end they will ask you to go and purchase a $400 I-Tunes card... Scumbags !!
It's a scam - don't give them any information.
Recorded message from Dept of Human Services Centrelink, saying that pensions have gone up, you have an application number 080456 that you have not continued with please call this number. Scammers.