- Scam
Community report for 02 7251 8386 (0272518386): Caller impersonated PayPal regarding McAfee subscription charge and attempted phishing.
PayPal Impersonation Reports for 02 7251 8386
A contributor has reported receiving a scam call from 02 7251 8386 (also written as 0272518386) where the caller impersonated PayPal. The scammer claimed there was an unauthorised McAfee subscription charge on the recipient's account and attempted to direct them toward a phishing link. This type of impersonation exploits the trust people have in PayPal and leverages concerns about unexpected charges to create urgency.
The allocation data shows 0272518386 is registered as a local service number in NSW through Symbio Networks Pty Ltd, which suggests the scammer may be spoofing or hijacking legitimate infrastructure to appear more credible.
What the Caller from 02 7251 8386 Claimed
The contributor reported that the caller claiming to represent PayPal stated there was a McAfee subscription charge that needed immediate attention. The scammer then directed the recipient toward a phishing link, likely designed to harvest login credentials or payment information. This tactic combines impersonation with a fake charge to pressure the target into clicking a malicious link without proper verification.
Why This Scam Works
Many people use PayPal for online purchases and have legitimate security software like McAfee installed, making this claim feel plausible at first contact. The urgency created by claiming an unauthorised charge encourages quick action before the target thinks to verify the call independently. Phishing links in these calls often look similar to genuine PayPal pages, making it easy for rushed victims to enter their credentials.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 7251 8386
If 02 7251 8386 calls you:
- Do not: Click any links sent in the call, provide login details, or share payment information
- Do: Hang up immediately and contact PayPal directly using the number on your statement or their official website
- Do: Verify any charge by logging into your PayPal account independently (do not use links provided by the caller)
- Do: Block 0272518386 if the call repeats
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 7251 8386
If 0272518386 sends you a text message:
- Do not: Click any links or reply to the message
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Report the SMS as spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888
- Do: Add 02 7251 8386 to your phone's blocked numbers
How to Report 02 7251 8386
If you received a scam call or phishing attempt from this number, report it to Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - document the charge claimed and any links you were shown
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - report illegal telemarketing or number spoofing
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - if you clicked the phishing link or entered credentials
- PayPal's official support channels - notify them of the impersonation attempt so they can alert other users
- Contribute your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 7251 8386!
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What Our Users Reviewed
Scammer claiming to be PayPal about McAfee subscription charge
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 7251 8386!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I clicked the link from 02 7251 8386?
If you clicked a link from 0272518386, change your PayPal password immediately from a secure device. Monitor your account for unauthorised activity and consider enabling two-factor authentication. Contact PayPal directly to report the phishing attempt. If you entered payment details, notify your bank to watch for fraud.
Is 02 7251 8386 actually PayPal?
No. The reported caller from 02 7251 8386 (0272518386) is impersonating PayPal. PayPal does not call customers about subscription charges without prior notification, and they never ask you to click links provided during unsolicited calls. Always verify by contacting PayPal directly.
How do scammers fake a number like 02 7251 8386?
Scammers use caller ID spoofing technology to make 0272518386 appear as a legitimate number. The number itself may be compromised infrastructure or spoofed entirely. This is why you should never trust caller ID alone and should independently verify by calling the official organisation.
What is a phishing link and why did the caller from 02 7251 8386 send one?
A phishing link is a malicious URL designed to look like a legitimate PayPal login page but actually captures your credentials. The caller from 0272518386 sent this to steal your PayPal username, password, or payment details. Never click links in unsolicited calls.
Should I block 02 7251 8386?
Yes. After the initial report about 0272518386, blocking this number prevents future contact. However, scammers often use different numbers, so stay alert for similar calls claiming billing issues or unauthorised charges.
Why would a scammer claim a McAfee charge on 02 7251 8386?
McAfee is a well-known antivirus provider, so the claim feels credible to most people. Scammers using 0272518386 chose this charge because many users have antivirus software and worry about subscription costs. It creates urgency and bypasses initial scepticism.