- Scam
The number 02 6172 0170 has been reported as a scammer pretending to be from Centrelink. Learn how to identify this scam and what steps to take if you receive a call from this number.
Understanding the Fraud Behind 02 6172 0170
The phone number 02 6172 0170 has raised significant alarm among users across Australia, primarily due to reports identifying it as a scammer impersonating Centrelink. This form of fraud commonly aims to deceive individuals, particularly the elderly, into providing sensitive personal and financial information.
Type of Scam
This specific scam is known as a “Centrelink Impersonation” scam. Scammers typically pose as representatives of legitimate government agencies to create a façade of authority. In this case, the victim was contacted with claims that they owed money, leading the scammer to trick an elderly person into verifying personal details, including their driver's licence number and bank account information.
Evidence from Users
User reviews indicate a common thread of fear and confusion amongst potential victims. A particularly distressing instance involved an 80-year-old man who was persuaded to call the number back after the scammer correctly identified his personal details. This level of personal information can make such calls feel genuine, further entrenching trust among unsuspecting individuals.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6172 0170
If you receive a call from 02 6172 0170:
- Do Not Engage: If you suspect the call is a scam, avoid providing any personal information.
- Verify Independently: Contact Centrelink directly through official channels to verify the legitimacy of any claims made during the call.
- Report the Call: If you or someone you know has been targeted, report the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre or local authorities for further assistance.
- Share Awareness: Inform friends and family, especially senior members, about this scam to prevent potential exploitation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 02 6172 0170 / 0261720170 represents a dangerous attempt by scammers to exploit vulnerable individuals under the guise of Centrelink. Utilizing services like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can help you identify unknown numbers and protect yourself from potential scams. Remember to remain vigilant—your safety and personal information are invaluable.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 6172 0170!
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What Our Users Reviewed
The number 0261720170 has called my father who is 80 yrs old claiming to be centrelink and telling him that they owe him money but they already have his drivers licence number and bank account details all he needs to is call back and confirm and they even read out his drivers licence number it was correct OMG how do these people get this info my father has not got a computer and would not know how to turn one on.
Do we have scammers in our government departments.
So he was off to centrelink today to sort it out and l told him to buy a.
Bloody big whistle and blow it in the phone next time.