- Suspicious
- Scam
Beware of 02 8607 5080, a reported scam number impersonating Centrelink. This article provides insights into the type of scam and tips on how to handle suspicious calls.
Understanding the Scam Behind 02 8607 5080
The phone number 02 8607 5080 / 0286075080 has emerged as a prominent scam identifier, with numerous reports indicating attempts to impersonate Centrelink. Many Australians have described similar experiences, beaconing these calls as potential threats, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals.
The Nature of the Scam
Users have reported receiving automated and real-person calls claiming to be from Centrelink, asserting that they had received multiple letters regarding supposed pension increases. The callers provided instructions for pressing options on their phones or returning calls to the suspicious number. However, several recipients were quick to discern the deceit, recognising that Centrelink does not make cold calls and would never require sensitive information in such an unsecure manner.
User Experiences Highlight the Red Flags
The majority of reports detail how callers solicited personal information under the pretense of verifying identities due to a lack of response to alleged mailed communications. This can involve asking for names, addresses, and Centrelink numbers, fitting the modus operandi for identity theft.
- Automated Calls: Many complain of unsettling computer-generated messages.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers create a sense of urgency around supposed applications or payments.
- Direct Communication: Recipients are misled into thinking they must directly engage to avoid penalties.
What Should You Do?
If you receive a call from this number—or any suspicious number, for that matter—there are several crucial steps you can take:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid providing any personal information.
- Hang Up: If you are doubtful, simply hang up the phone.
- Verify Through Official Channels: Always contact Centrelink directly through their official phone number if you have concerns regarding your account or services.
- Report the Incident: Notify authorities such as the ACCC or Australian Cyber Security Centre about the scam. This can prevent others from becoming victims.
Conclusion
In light of these findings, it is imperative to stay vigilant against fraudulent calls such as those originating from 02 8607 5080 / 0286075080. By employing reverse phone lookup tools like Reverseau, users can ascertain who called them and mitigate the risks of scams threatening their identity and personal information. Simple awareness and action can make all the difference in safeguarding your data from malicious intent.
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What Our Users Reviewed
I got one of these calls. I knew it would not be for me. However thought it might have been intended for a family member who is on a Disability Support Pension. After several calls to this given number, I was finally advised it was a mistake and that everything was OK. I think they got fed up with me harassing them for further information. Makes a bit of a change having the tables turned on them.
This is a SCAM. Centrelink has confirmed this. Don't fall for it. Likely attempt at identity theft.
My elderly patents received an automated phone call claiming to be from Centrelink saying they have not responded to letters they have sent about an increase in pension payments & that they need to call their head office in Canberra (my parents never received such letters). My mother called the above number & the woman wanted my parents'names, addresses, Centrelink numbers & amount of last Centrelink payment which she gave. The woman then said she needs to make an appt at a local Centrelink branch for them so that they can be given a cheque with their backdated pay. She put her on hold & never came back. I have reported this number to the ACCC & will also call Centrelink tomorrow to advise them.
Yesterday I arrived home to find a message on my answering machine. The caller advised me that Centrelink had been trying to contact me without success and that I have not completed an application for our part pension.
The message was quite disturbing in its presentation. I tried without success to call our Adviser and ultimately decided to call the above number to sort out the problem with our pensions.
I was told that, due to our lack of response to the mail our details had been sent to head office in Canberra. I was asked to provide our address in detail and the correct spelling of both of our names and the numbers on our pension cards. I was also asked to provide the amount of our last pension payment.
I provided all of this information and the whole time I was under the impression, from the challenging tone of the conversation, that I was at fault.
I was then informed that if the mailing of the application had failed for some reason I would be called when mail was dispatched to our address, and asked for the phone numbers. As I started to deliver the phone numbers I said .."I am not comfortable with this phone call, I am not comfortable with this phone call" at which point the caller hung up!
I now have a strong feeling that our identity has been compromised - HELP! What should we do to avoid any further action?
I also got this call claiming to be centrelink. So I called the number and I questioned him about it. As soon as he knew that I knew he was a criminal he hung up the phone.
Yes we also got the computer generated voice call. Not exactly threatening but could easily fool an older recipient. Centrelink NEVER cold call clients and I only use a dedicated number for business calls never my home phone landline. Shameful Scam on vulnerable people!
Yes. I go a similar phone call 18/2/17 but with a real person. But did not try to get bank details. Maybe identity theft using other contact details.
I got a call from this number. It was a computer generated voice. It said that if you have a centrelink press 1 or if not press 2. I pressed 1, then it said that centrelink has been sending several letters in the mail about an increase to the pension I that I am entitled to, and since I haven't responded to them, it's now with canberra office. To get the backpay and have the issue sorted, I need to ring this number 02 8607 5080 during 10am to 6pm weekdays during canberra time.
The thing is I am not on a centrelink pension. And centrelink would never send a computer generated voice message because it has no idea who it is talking to and cannot verify the person or protect the person's privacy.
I did not ring the number, but I did this search on the number.
Obviously someone trying to get bank account details.
Beware of this it is a scam.