- Scam
Community report for 02 8326 9613 (0283269613): Callback lure scam impersonating Optus. Caller spoofed Optus number, denied existence when called back.
Callback Lure Scam Reports for 02 8326 9613
One contributor has reported a callback lure scam involving 02 8326 9613 (also written as 0283269613). The scam works by having the caller use a spoofed number appearing to originate from Optus Networks, the major Australian telecommunications provider. When the contributor attempted to verify the call by ringing 0283269613 back, the operator stated the number did not exist, immediately revealing the fraudulent nature of the initial contact.
This callback lure tactic is particularly deceptive because it exploits the contributor's legitimate history with Optus. The scammer relies on victims assuming the call is genuine because they recognise the network provider. By the time the victim calls back to verify, the scammer has already obtained critical information or the callback itself becomes the trap.
How the Callback Lure Works with 02 8326 9613
The contributor's experience reveals the mechanics of this scam. The initial call from 02 8326 9613 came from an unrecognised number, prompting the contributor to avoid answering. However, because the number appeared to be linked to Optus (a company the contributor was actively dealing with), they took the extra step of calling it back. This return call is where the scammer's trap becomes apparent - the number does not actually exist, confirming the initial contact was fraudulent.
Callback lures succeed because they flip the victim's caution. Rather than the victim calling an unknown number, they believe they are returning a legitimate business call. Scammers count on this reversal of trust. The fact that 02 8326 9613 was allocated to Optus Networks in NSW suggests the scammer deliberately selected a number fitting Optus's range to increase credibility.
Report Details and What Was Reported
The contributor's report indicates they received a call from 02 8326 9613 but exercised caution by not answering immediately. Their decision to verify the number by calling back proved effective - when they attempted to reach 0283269613, the supposed operator denied the number's existence entirely. This response is a red flag that distinguishes it from legitimate business calls, where operators can confirm the number belongs to their organisation.
The contributor noted this occurred within the past month, and the timing aligns with periods when legitimate Optus contact might be expected, making the spoofing more convincing.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8326 9613
If 02 8326 9613 calls you:
- Do not: Return the call immediately, assume it is legitimate because the number appears to match a known provider, or share personal information
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail, contact the organisation (Optus) directly using a number from their official website or your account statement, verify the caller's details through independent channels before providing any information
- Block the number: Add 02 8326 9613 to your phone's blocked contacts to prevent repeated calls from 0283269613
- If you already called back: Monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity and consider changing passwords for sensitive services
Distinguishing Legitimate Optus Calls from Scams Using 02 8326 9613
Optus legitimate customer service calls will come from numbers you can verify. If you are unsure whether a call from 02 8326 9613 is real, hang up and contact Optus directly using the number on your bill or their official website. Genuine Optus operators will confirm they made the call when you contact them through official channels. If the number does not exist when you call back, as happened with 0283269613, it is a scam.
Scammers using 02 8326 9613 rely on urgency and familiarity to bypass your caution. They may claim your account needs immediate action or reference recent legitimate contact with Optus. The callback lure assumes you will trust the outbound call more than you trust an unknown inbound call.
How to Report 02 8326 9613
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): Lodge a complaint at acma.gov.au about the scam call from 02 8326 9613 or 0283269613
- Report to Scamwatch: Submit details of the callback lure attempt at scamwatch.gov.au to help protect other Australians
- Report to Optus: Contact Optus directly to notify them that their number range is being spoofed by scammers using 02 8326 9613
- Block the number: Use your phone's built-in blocking feature to prevent future calls from 0283269613
- Contribute to Reverseau: If you receive calls from 02 8326 9613, add your report to our community database so others can identify this scam quickly
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8326 9613!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Did not recognise number so didn't answer. Decided to ring number as reverseau identified the number as being from Optus network who I had been dealing with on a seperate matter. When I called the number the "operator" stated the number did not exist so suspected scam call.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8326 9613!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What is a callback lure scam and why was 02 8326 9613 attempting one?
A callback lure scam tricks you into calling the scammer back by making the initial call appear to come from a legitimate organisation. In this case, 02 8326 9613 was spoofed to look like an Optus number. When the contributor called back to verify, the number did not exist, confirming the scam. Scammers use this method because victims feel they are initiating the call, lowering their guard.
Why should I not call back an unknown number like 0283269613?
Calling back 0283269613 or similar unknown numbers can connect you directly to scammers who are counting on you to call. However, in this case, the contributor's callback actually revealed the scam - the number did not exist. The safer approach is to contact the organisation (e.g., Optus) independently using an official number from your account or their website, rather than calling back the number that called you.
Could 02 8326 9613 be a legitimate Optus number that I should answer?
The report indicates that when called back, 0283269613 did not exist, meaning it is not a real Optus number. Optus confirmed the operator at this number denied the number's existence. If Optus needs to contact you, you can verify it by hanging up and calling Optus directly on a number from their official website or your bill.
How did the scammer get 02 8326 9613 to appear as an Optus number?
Number spoofing allows scammers to make calls appear to come from any number they choose, including numbers within Optus's allocated range. The number 02 8326 9613 was allocated to Optus Networks, making it an ideal choice for a spoofing scam. However, because it is actually a spoofed number, 0283269613 does not accept calls, as the contributor discovered.
What should I do if I already provided information to someone calling from 02 8326 9613?
If you gave personal, financial, or security information to someone claiming to call from 02 8326 9613 or 0283269613, contact your bank, Optus (through official channels), and relevant government agencies immediately. Monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity, change passwords for sensitive services, and consider placing a fraud alert with your bank.
How can I verify if a call from 02 8326 9613 is real before calling back?
Do not call back 0283269613 directly. Instead, if you suspect a call is from Optus, hang up and use the official Optus contact number on your bill or their website to ask if they called you. Legitimate operators will confirm the call. With 02 8326 9613, this verification method will quickly reveal the scam because the number does not exist.