02 8551 7189 - 0285517189: Optus Impersonation and Phishing Scam

• Scam
• Suspicious

02 8551 7189 (0285517189): Contributors report calls impersonating Optus with phishing attempts. One caller sent Microsoft reset codes; others linked to PayPal/McAfee scam emails.

Optus Impersonation and Phishing Reports for 02 8551 7189

Five contributors have flagged 02 8551 7189 (also written as 0285517189) for impersonation and phishing activity. The primary tactic involves callers claiming to represent Optus, even when recipients don't have an active account with the provider. Three of the five reports specifically mention the impersonation tactic, with two reports documenting phishing attempts embedded in the contact.

A concerning pattern emerges across the reports: callers from 02 8551 7189 are not only impersonating legitimate companies but actively attempting to compromise device security. One contributor received a call claiming to be from Optus, followed immediately by receipt of a Microsoft reset code, suggesting a coordinated attempt to gain remote access or reset credentials. This tactic mirrors common tech support scams where callers use urgency and spoofed codes to manipulate victims into granting access.

Beyond direct calls, the number 0285517189 has also been flagged in connection with email-based scam campaigns. Two reports link 02 8551 7189 to phishing emails impersonating PayPal, with fabricated McAfee antivirus subscription invoices. These coordinated multi-channel attacks suggest either a sophisticated operation or shared infrastructure between scam networks.

What Callers from 02 8551 7189 Claim

Contributors report that callers from 02 8551 7189 explicitly state they represent Optus. However, the false claims become apparent when recipients confirm they hold no account with Optus, indicating the caller either has outdated data or is operating a blanket impersonation campaign.

The tactics escalate beyond simple identity spoofing. One contributor reported receiving a Microsoft reset code immediately after hanging up on the Optus impersonation call, suggesting the scammer was preparing to attempt remote device access. This is a critical red flag: legitimate companies do not send unsolicited reset codes, and the combination of impersonation plus code delivery indicates intent to compromise account security or steal credentials.

On the email front, messages featuring 02 8551 7189 as a contact number impersonated PayPal and referenced McAfee subscription charges. These emails are designed to create alarm (fake subscription invoice) and direct victims to contact the number for support, at which point the scammer can extract payment or personal information.

Report Patterns and Channels

Of the five reports, three were initiated by answered calls directly from 02 8551 7189, while two emerged from email scam investigations where the phone number appeared as a contact reference. The most recent activity occurred in November 2025, with the email-based reports dating to April 2025, suggesting this number has been in active use across multiple scam campaigns for at least several months.

One contributor noted the interaction felt suspicious enough to warrant flagging without providing extensive detail, indicating that even brief exposure to 0285517189 raised red flags about the caller's authenticity or intent. The allocation data shows 02 8551 7189 is registered as a local service number in New South Wales through Symbio Networks, which may lend false credibility to impersonation attempts.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8551 7189

If 02 8551 7189 calls you:

• Do not: Confirm you are the account holder, provide personal information, accept a password reset, or allow remote access to your device
• Do not: Click any links sent via SMS or email during or after the call
• Do: Hang up immediately if the caller claims to represent Optus, PayPal, Microsoft, or your bank
• Do: Independently verify any claim by calling the official company directly using a number from their website (not one provided by the caller)
• Do: Block 02 8551 7189 in your phone settings if the call persists
• Do: Report the call to your telco as suspicious activity

What to Do If You Receive an Email Listing 02 8551 7189

If you receive an email referencing 02 8551 7189 as a contact number:

• Do not: Call the number, even to dispute a charge or verify an invoice
• Do not: Click embedded links or download attachments
• Do not: Reply to the email
• Do: Check your actual account with the company (PayPal, Optus, Microsoft, etc.) through their official website or app
• Do: Report the email as phishing using the company's official report mechanism
• Do: Forward the phishing email to the appropriate authorities (details below)

How to Report 02 8551 7189

If you've been contacted by 02 8551 7189 or received emails referencing this number, report it through these official channels:

• Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au): Report impersonation and phishing attempts to the ACCC's national scam reporting service
• ACMA (acma.gov.au): File a complaint about unwanted calls with the Australian Communications and Media Authority
• ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au): Report phishing emails, credential compromise attempts, and malware-related scams to the Australian Cyber Security Centre
• Your telco provider: Report the number to Symbio Networks or your own phone provider for investigation and potential blocking
• Reverseau: Contribute your experience to this community record so other Australians can identify similar scams

Frequently Asked Questions