02 8106 0144 - 0281060144: Bank Impersonation Reports

• Legit
• Scam
• Suspicious

Community reports for 02 8106 0144 (0281060144) describe callers impersonating Commonwealth Bank and Westpac, requesting authentication codes and personal details via SMS and calls.

Bank Impersonation Reports for 02 8106 0144

Four contributors have reported contact from 02 8106 0144 (also written as 0281060144) involving impersonation of major Australian banks. The pattern centres on callers and text messages claiming to be from Commonwealth Bank or Westpac, requesting sensitive information like one-time passwords (OTPs) and authentication codes. One contributor verified the legitimate Commonwealth Bank number through official channels, confirming that 0281060144 is not an authentic bank contact method.

The tactics reported against 02 8106 0144 indicate coordinated impersonation activity. Three of four reports specifically mention callers claiming to represent banking institutions, with requests for security codes that would grant account access. One contributor noted the caller "sounded a bit off," suggesting poor audio quality or scripted delivery typical of overseas scam operations.

What Callers from 02 8106 0144 Claim

Contributors report that callers from 02 8106 0144 present themselves as bank representatives with urgent requests. Specific claims include needing to verify net banking authentication codes and requesting one-time passwords (OTPs) for account security reasons. The framing mimics legitimate bank communication, but callers request information that genuine banks never ask for over the phone.

Text messages from 0281060144 also follow this pattern, with SMS claiming to originate from Commonwealth Bank and including security code requests. One contributor described the message as "fishy," despite the apparent legitimacy of the format, suggesting visible red flags in the messaging or request structure.

Report Patterns and Timing

Community reports span late December 2025 through early January 2026, with contact occurring via both phone calls and SMS. The distribution across both channels suggests a multi-vector campaign. One contributor received the SMS at 08:05 on 2 January, an early morning timing common in scam operations. Another answered a call from 02 8106 0144 on 30 December at 11:47, during business hours, which may be deliberately timed to catch people less vigilant during holiday periods.

The number is provisioned as a local NSW service through NetSIP Pty Ltd, which allows scammers to spoof legitimate-looking Australian phone numbers. This local-service allocation increases the likelihood of recipients answering, as the 02 area code matches Sydney-based bank customer bases.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8106 0144

If 02 8106 0144 calls you:

• Do not: Provide authentication codes, OTPs, or personal banking details; return the call to the number shown; engage with requests to "verify" your account
• Do: Hang up immediately; independently verify by calling your bank using the number on your bank card or official website; block the number on your device
• Important: Legitimate banks never request OTPs, authentication codes, or passwords over incoming calls or unsolicited SMS

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 8106 0144

If you receive a text message from 0281060144 claiming to be from your bank:

• Do not: Click any links in the message; reply to the SMS; provide security codes or personal information
• Do: Delete the message; report it as spam by forwarding to 0429 999 888; call your bank directly using the number on your card to verify if the message is genuine
• Note: Banks do not request codes via SMS links or unsolicited messages

How to Report 02 8106 0144

If you've received suspicious contact from 02 8106 0144 or 0281060144, report it to:

• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the number at acma.gov.au - the regulator managing telecom fraud and spam
• Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au, particularly if money was lost or personal information shared
• Your bank directly: Call the number on the back of your bank card to report the impersonation attempt and confirm whether they sent any legitimate communication
• ReportCyber: If you clicked a phishing link or suspect data theft, report to cyber.gov.au
• Reverseau: Add your own experience to help other Australians identify this number by reporting on Reverseau

Frequently Asked Questions