- Scam
- Unknown
Community reports for 02 8223 9171 (0282239171): Callers impersonate Amex security, claim illegal card activity, threaten arrest, and request personal information.
Amex Impersonation Scam Reports for 02 8223 9171
Seven contributors have reported calls from 02 8223 9171 (also written as 0282239171) where callers impersonate American Express security staff. The scam involves callers claiming to detect suspicious or illegal activity on an Amex card allegedly issued under the recipient's name. Multiple reports indicate the callers already know the victim's full name, creating a false sense of legitimacy.
What makes this scam particularly aggressive is the threat component. Contributors reported being told they would face arrest by Australian federal police if they did not cooperate. These threatening statements appear designed to pressure victims into providing personal or financial information without questioning the caller's legitimacy.
What Callers from 02 8223 9171 Claim
Callers from 0282239171 consistently reference American Express and alleged card activity. According to reports, they claim to be calling from the "Amex security department" or "bank security department" and describe fraudulent transactions. One contributor reported the caller mentioned an illegal drug purchase made online using Amex through PayPal. Another was told of suspicious activity on a card the victim did not own.
The callers demonstrate knowledge of victims' names, which they use to establish apparent credibility. When contributors question the calls or express doubt about owning an Amex card, callers escalate by threatening police involvement. One contributor reported being told: "You'll be arrested by the Australian federal police if you don't cooperate." This threat tactic is designed to override rational decision-making and force quick action.
Report Patterns and Timing
Reports about 02 8223 9171 span from June 2024 through April 2026, showing this number remains active in the scam cycle. The calls come through Telstra, a major Australian telco. All answered calls show the same pattern: the caller speaks with an Indian accent and immediately discusses Amex card activity. One contributor noted they called back the official Amex number instead of engaging with the caller, which is the correct response.
Contributors report the calls are direct and persistent. One mentioned repeated calls from this number discussing suspicious card activity. The frequency and consistency of reports suggest this is a coordinated scam operation rather than isolated incidents.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8223 9171
If 02 8223 9171 calls you:
- Do not: Provide any personal information, card details, passwords, or banking credentials; engage with threats or pressure tactics; return the call to the number shown
- Do: Hang up immediately; if you have an Amex card, contact Amex directly using the number on your card or statement (not a number the caller provides); block the number to prevent future calls; report the call to authorities
- Remember: Legitimate banks never call asking you to verify activity by providing personal details. Banks verify your identity before discussing account matters, never the other way around
How to Report 02 8223 9171
Report this number and your experience to help protect other Australians:
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au - they investigate telecommunications scams and can take action against malicious numbers
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au - the official Australian government resource for scam reporting and tracking emerging scam trends
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au - if the scam involved attempts to access your online accounts or steal credentials
- Report to your phone provider (Telstra in this case) - they can flag the number for investigation and potential blocking
- If you provided any information, contact your bank immediately and consider reporting to Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au if myGov credentials were compromised
- Add your report to Reverseau - community contributions help identify patterns and warn other Australians about active scam numbers
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8223 9171!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Bloke rang repeatedly saying suspicious activity on my card, claimed he was from Amex, rang him back at the official number instead
Some Indian guy called to advise an illegal transaction of my Amex card… totally scam. I never have Amex card… he even threatened that I’ll be arrested by the Australian federal police if not cooperating. So stupid!!!
Scam call, some Indian dude called saying I've made an illegal drug purchase online using an Amex card through PayPal. Apparently he knows my full name, and claims that he's from the Australian Government. Told him to stfu and blocked.
Call from Indian accent trying to discuss American Express card, don't own one so seemed like scam
SCAM. Saying call from AMEX security department and have a card issued oversea under my name doing illegal activities.
Scam.
Had the same. Saying they were calling from Amex and detected “suspicious activity” on a card that was not mine but had the same name.
Scam phone call, saying calling from bank security department.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8223 9171!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the caller from 02 8223 9171 know my name?
Multiple contributors reported the caller from 0282239171 already knew their full names. This knowledge likely comes from data breaches, purchased contact lists, or previous scam campaigns. Scammers use this detail to appear legitimate, but it does not mean the call is genuine. Legitimate Amex security calls would already have your account information without needing you to verify it.
Should I call back 02 8223 9171 to verify the call?
No. One contributor did the right thing by hanging up and calling Amex directly using the number on their card instead. Never return a call to 0282239171 or use a number provided by the caller. If you believe there is a genuine issue with your Amex account, hang up, look up the official number yourself, and call that number directly.
Can police actually arrest me for disputed card activity?
No. The threat from 02 8223 9171 that you will be "arrested by the Australian federal police" is a scam tactic designed to create panic. Police do not call to threaten arrest over card disputes. Legitimate card fraud investigations involve your bank contacting you through official channels and never demanding immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 0282239171?
If you provided card numbers, passwords, PINs, or other sensitive information to 02 8223 9171, contact your bank immediately. Report the fraud to Amex, your primary bank, and any other financial institutions. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider placing a fraud alert with credit reporting agencies. Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and ACMA at acma.gov.au.
How do I block 02 8223 9171 on my phone?
Most Australian phones allow you to block numbers directly. On iPhone, open the call log, find 0282239171, tap the info icon, and select "Block this Caller." On Android, open the phone app, find the number, and select "Block number." Your Telstra account may also have call-blocking features available through the Telstra app or by contacting customer service. Blocking prevents future calls from this number.
Are there other numbers using the same Amex scam as 02 8223 9171?
Yes. Amex impersonation scams are common in Australia, and scammers rotate through multiple numbers. If you receive similar calls claiming to be from Amex security, bank security, or government agencies mentioning your name and card activity, treat them as scams. Always verify by calling the official number on your card or the organisation's website, never the number the caller provides. Report each number to ACMA and Reverseau to help identify patterns.