02 8006 8483: Scam Alert - Commonwealth Bank Impersonation

• Scam

The phone number 02 8006 8483 has been reported as a scam, impersonating Commonwealth Bank to fraudulently obtain personal information. Learn how to protect yourself when receiving calls from this number.

Understanding the Threat: 02 8006 8483

The phone number 02 8006 8483 / 0280068483 has recently come under scrutiny due to numerous user reports categorising it as a scam, specifically involving impersonation of Commonwealth Bank. Victims have received unsolicited text messages claiming fraudulent transactions accompanied by an invitation to call this number for verification.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are utilising advanced techniques to create a sense of urgency. A typical message reads something like this: "Your confirmation code is 200781 for a TRANSACTION of 800.99 AUD to HT AUTO LTD. If this was NOT you, please call us on (02) 8006 8483." This message is designed to provoke panic, aiming to illicitly acquire sensitive information by prompting individuals to verify transactions they did not authorise.

User Reports Confirm Suspicion

Feedback from several users confirms that this number is not valid and is being misused in an elaborate scam targeting unsuspecting customers of Commonwealth Bank. Reviews from 01/04/2023 reveal a consistent theme: text messages labelled as urgent requests disguised as communication from CommBank, directing victims to call (02) 8006 8483 for more information.

• First Report: A user noted a message referring to a transaction with HT AUTO LTD, raising alarm bells about its legitimacy.
• Second Report: Explicitly called it a Commonwealth Bank scam, citing a previous experience with similar impersonation tactics.
• Third Report: Confirmed that the number presented in the sms does not correspond to any Commonwealth Bank contact number.

Protecting Yourself from This Scam

If you receive a call or message from this number, it is crucial to do the following:

• Do Not Engage: Avoid returning calls or responding to the message. Scammers often monitor responses for future attacks.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup Australia: Verify who is calling by utilising services like Reverseau to investigate the number further.
• Report the Incident: Notify authorities about the scam attempt. Protecting yourself also helps warn others.
• Contact Your Bank Directly: If worried, reach out to your bank using verified contact information rather than numbers provided in suspicious messages.

Remember to stay vigilant and sceptical of unexpected communications. Always prioritise your personal information and verify the authenticity of such messages.