- Scam
Community report for 02 8355 0913 (0283550913): Fake Norton Security SMS charging $499 with malicious links. Impersonation scam targeting Australian users.
Norton Security Impersonation Scam on 02 8355 0913
A contributor has reported receiving a fraudulent SMS from 02 8355 0913 (also written as 0283550913) impersonating Norton Security. The text falsely claimed a charge of $499.00 for Norton 360 Deluxe Protection and contained multiple hyperlinked elements designed to trick recipients into clicking. The sender ID displayed as "COVIU", a significant red flag that revealed the impersonation attempt despite the Norton branding in the message content.
This scam targeting 0283550913 is particularly deceptive because it mimics legitimate security software providers to create a false sense of urgency and authority. The contributor recognised the inconsistency between the claimed sender (Norton) and the actual sender ID (COVIU), which prevented them from falling victim to the malicious links embedded in the message.
What the Scammer Claimed
The SMS from 02 8355 0913 falsely notified the recipient of an unauthorised $499.00 charge for Norton 360 Deluxe Protection. Rather than simply stating this, the message included hyperlinked text throughout, a technique designed to encourage recipients to click and visit fraudulent confirmation pages or credential-harvesting websites.
The use of hyperlinked content within the SMS from 0283550913 is a deliberate tactic to bypass normal caution. When people see clickable links within what appears to be an official notification, they may feel compelled to act quickly to "manage their account" or "dispute the charge". The scammer's strategy relies on creating panic and urgency to override critical thinking.
Report Details and Escalation
The contributor who received the call from 02 8355 0913 blocked the number immediately after recognising the scam. Notably, approximately one hour after blocking, the same number attempted to call the recipient. This escalation suggests the scammer uses multiple contact methods and may have retained the contact details for follow-up harassment or further social engineering attempts.
The fact that 0283550913 continued calling after being blocked demonstrates persistence typical of coordinated scam operations. The shift from SMS to voice call also indicates the scammer adapts their approach when initial contact methods fail.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 8355 0913
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or follow instructions to "confirm details"
- Do not: Call any number provided in the message or provide personal information
- Do: Block the number immediately on your device
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider by forwarding it to 0429 999 888
- Do: Verify any security alerts directly by visiting Norton's official website (norton.com) or calling their legitimate support line independently
- Do: Check your actual bank and payment accounts to confirm no unauthorised charges have been made
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8355 0913
- Do not: Answer calls from 02 8355 0913 or unknown numbers claiming to be from security software providers
- Do not: Provide any personal, banking, or payment information over the phone
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail if you don't recognise the number
- Do: Block 0283550913 immediately if it calls you
- Do: If concerned about a security alert, independently verify by contacting the company through their official website or a number you find yourself (never use numbers provided by the caller)
How to Report 02 8355 0913
- Report the scam to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - Australia's official scam reporting service
- Report the SMS to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au
- Report cybercrime to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - Australia's national cybercrime reporting centre
- Forward the SMS to your mobile provider's abuse team and to 0429 999 888 (the national spam reporting number)
- If you clicked any links or entered information, report the incident to your bank and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file
- Share your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify and avoid this scam number
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8355 0913!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
I received a text from this number which indicated in the text body it was from Norton Security, but the sender ID was COVIU, and that they'd charged me an amount of $499.00 for their Norton 360 Deluxe Protection, with links to confirm details.... Various content within the text was hyperlinked so clicking on these would only invite trouble. Simply rubbish and so obviously a scam so be warned. Number was blocked and they even tried top call me approximately an hour after I'd blocked them!!
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8355 0913!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did 02 8355 0913 show 'COVIU' as the sender ID instead of Norton?
The sender ID 'COVIU' appearing instead of Norton is a clear indicator of SMS spoofing, a technique where scammers manipulate the sender ID to disguise their origin. This mismatch between the claimed sender (Norton) and the actual sender ID (COVIU) is a red flag that 02 8355 0913 is an impersonation scam. Legitimate Norton notifications would display consistently from Norton's actual systems, not from unrelated company names.
Should I click the links in an SMS from 0283550913 claiming to be from Norton?
No. Do not click any links in SMS messages from 02 8355 0913 or unknown numbers claiming security issues. The hyperlinked content in 0283550913 scam messages is designed to direct you to fake websites that harvest login credentials, payment information, or install malware. If you receive a suspicious security alert, verify it independently by visiting the official Norton website directly (not through any link provided).
What should I do if I already clicked a link from 02 8355 0913?
If you clicked links from 0283550913, take immediate action: change passwords for any accounts you use that email address with, contact your bank if you entered payment details, monitor your accounts for unauthorised charges, and consider placing a fraud alert with your credit provider. Report the incident to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) and your mobile provider. Avoid engaging further with 02 8355 0913 if it continues to contact you.
Why did 02 8355 0913 try to call me after I blocked the number?
The fact that 0283550913 continued calling approximately one hour after being blocked suggests the scammer uses multiple contact methods and has retained your contact details. This persistence is typical of coordinated scam operations. When SMS fails, they escalate to voice calls to catch you off-guard. Block the number again and do not engage. If calls continue, report 02 8355 0913 to your provider and ACMA.
Is the $499 charge from 02 8355 0913 real?
No. The $499.00 charge claimed by 0283550913 is not real. This is a social engineering tactic designed to create urgency and panic, making you more likely to click the malicious links without thinking critically. Check your actual bank and payment accounts to confirm no unauthorised charges. If you see a charge from an unfamiliar merchant, contact your bank directly (using their official number, not any contact info from the scam message).
Should I report 02 8355 0913 to Norton directly?
You can notify Norton of the impersonation through their official website, but priority should be reporting to Australian authorities. Report 0283550913 to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), ACMA (acma.gov.au), and ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au). These organisations track scam patterns and work to disrupt them. Also forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (the national spam reporting number) so your mobile provider can block similar messages.