- Suspicious
- Scam
- Uncertain
Beware of the phone number 02 8378 7970, widely reported as a Centrelink scam. Learn how to identify these fraudulent calls and what steps to take if you receive one.
An Unexpected Call from 02 8378 7970
If you've recently received a call from 02 8378 7970 / 0283787970, take heed: numerous reports have classified this number as part of a deceitful Centrelink scam. Users have shared a plethora of experiences, indicating this number is being utilised to mislead unsuspecting individuals into divulging personal information or money.
What the Scam Looks Like
According to various user reports, the common theme is a recorded message claiming to be from Centrelink, urging recipients to call back regarding alleged issues with their benefits or pensions. The messages often suggest that recipients need to act quickly, pressing the urgency of returning calls to avoid missing out on vital information. However, as the testimonials show, these are designed to exploit fears of missed benefits, drawing in those unaware of the scam.
Red Flags To Watch For
The characteristics of this scam have been well documented through user experiences:
- Recorded Messages: Many users report receiving robotic messages instead of speaking to a real person.
- Background Noise: Several reports mention hearing foreign accents and other voices during these calls, indicating a call centre operation.
- Financial Requests: Some callers have been asked to purchase gift cards or provide sensitive personal information to 'verify' their identity.
- Imposter Identification: Users have noted that the agents often fail to identify themselves convincingly or hang up when challenged.
What Should You Do?
It's crucial to stay vigilant if you receive a call from this number. Here are steps to handle such situations:
- Do Not Respond: Avoid calling back or providing any personal information if prompted. Genuine governmental agencies like Centrelink typically do not ask for sensitive information over the phone.
- Report the Call: Document any details regarding the call and report it to the local authorities, Centrelink, or online platforms such as Scamwatch.
- Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with common scam techniques through resources like Reverseau and ensure you are aware of who really called you.
Conclusion
In summary, 02 8378 7970 / 0283787970 is widely acknowledged as a scam number linked to fraudulent Centrelink calls. The shared experiences serve as a stark reminder to always verify any unfamiliar numbers you receive. Use Reverse Phone Lookup Australia services to check call authenticity and protect yourself from potential scams. Keep yourself and your information safe, and remember: if it sounds too good—or too urgent—to be true, it probably isn’t.
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What Our Users Reviewed
We got a call today, we are in Hobart, I called the no on the recorded message, I didn't give out the ref no & asked where they were calling from & got told Canberra. I said I would go to my local centrelink office because we hadnt received any emails or letters, they hung up. I spoke to a female & could also hear a male in yhe background, both strong accents, perhaps Indian.
My Mum got scammed out of $900. Same as the other comments, saying they're from Centrelink in Canberra. Reported to usual authorities. It would be nice if they actually did something about it though.
Very annoying scam, pretending they're Centrelink. Obviously Indian based, because of all the accents. I hope somebody gets them - preferably with a large baseball bat!
Dad recieved a similar call. I called them back and got a call center in india. They assured me it was centerlink canberra calling. Hahaha nice try!! I informed them centerlink RARELY calls clients and they hung up on me.
Received the same recorded message supposedly from Centerlink but suspected a scam as I do not receive a payment from them.
Call came from 0284395384 (recovered from received call list) Gave a reference code and this number to call back to.
Suspected a scam so checked number and you all confirm my suspicions.
Definitely a scam. Have contacted the local police, Centrelink and Scamwatch. Just waiting now for their follow up call. I will be ready.
Just received a call and when I answered I got a recorded message on how I had not responded to letters from Centrelink advising me of a pension rise. I was then to call this number; supposedly Centrelink in Canberra. I can smell a scam at 100 paces so looked up the number on Google and hey presto lots of comments. I hope the AFP find these crooks and lock them up and throw away the key!
I too received a recored message on my landline. I called back and spoke with David Johnson, strong foreign accent, I could hear the background noise and voices and all had same accent. He asked me for an application number which I gave him then he asked me "who's calling? Centrelink would never do this. Of course I did not give my name and asked him if he was really from CL - he replied something that was not coherent to me so I hanged up. I'm on my way to CL to report it.
Scam. Reported it to the AFP.
Told me had to buy $300 if apple iTunes cards to register so I called centerlink it's not true and it's a scam he never called back David was the name he used.
Scam. Do not give them any personal information.
Received a recorded message referencing Centrelink and Pension refund 03May17. Smells like a scam.
Today we received a call and had left a message saying my pension has been increased and call this number. First I thought it was a genuine call, but halfway I realized it was a scam. Beware!!
Got a call from this number recorded centrelink message Hoax they never even asked who they were talking to.
Definitely and scam. When I questioned him about it he hung up. Trying to get through to Centrelink to warn them.
Called the number - told of 8 minute wait - kept on hold for 1/2 hour. Recalled number -told of a 28 minute wait - not again. Thanks for letting me know of the scam.
Defiantly a centerlink scam!!!
Do not fall for it.
Received a scratchy recorded message. Claims to be from Centerlink and that various claim forms for refunds and increased benefits were not returned and that I needed to ring this number. If I'm correct the number is one of the scam numbers where they will keep you on the line and you get charged thousands for a phone call to outer Mongolia or similar. Definitely a SCAM.
Received a recorded phone message requesting I contact Centrelink on this Canberra number. Got through to a noisy callcentre which didn't seem right. So I contacted Centrelink direct in my home state and they investigated the contact number and informed me it is not one of theirs.
It looks like this number is being used to run a Centrelink Scam!!!