- Suspicious
- Scam
- Legit
02 8898 0118 (0288980118): Community reports reveal callers attempting to extract confidential information, sometimes impersonating debt collectors or private businesses.
Personal Information Request Scam Reports for 02 8898 0118
Four contributors have reported suspicious activity from 02 8898 0118 (also written as 0288980118), a Sydney-based local service number allocated to AAPT Limited. Two reports specifically detail attempts to extract confidential information, while others describe vague pretexts for obtaining personal data.
The pattern emerging from calls to 0288980118 suggests callers use different cover stories to justify asking intrusive questions. Rather than being upfront about their purpose, these callers provide minimal information about who they are or why they're calling, only revealing details when pressed.
What Callers from 02 8898 0118 Say and Do
One contributor received a call from 02 8898 0118 where the caller mentioned their brother by name but was unclear about their relationship to him. When asked why they were looking for him or what business they represented, the caller refused to provide specifics, claiming to be a "private business in Sydney" without elaborating further.
Multiple reports about 0288980118 indicate a consistent approach: callers directly request confidential information without establishing legitimate reason. One contributor reported the caller attempted to extract personal details, while another noted similar tactics in a separate incident from the same number.
A fourth report suggests 02 8898 0118 may be used by debt collection agencies to contact third parties (neighbours, family members) with requests to "pass on urgent messages," a known tactic to bypass initial resistance and gather information indirectly.
Report Patterns and Timing
Reports about 02 8898 0118 span multiple years, with the earliest scam attempt logged in January 2024 and the most recent suspicious contact in November 2025. This extended activity pattern indicates the number has been consistently used for information-gathering operations.
The mix of categories across calls to 0288980118 reflects tactical variation: some reports classify the activity as outright scam (direct personal information requests), others as suspicious (unclear business purpose), and one as spam (third-party debt collection contact). This suggests either multiple parties using the same number or a flexible operational approach adapting the cover story to circumstances.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8898 0118
If 02 8898 0118 calls you:
- Do not: Share personal information, bank details, tax file number, date of birth, or passwords - regardless of who they claim to be
- Do not: Confirm details they already have or volunteer information to "verify" your identity
- Do not: Engage in lengthy conversation or return the call if they ask you to call back
- Do: Ask for their full name, company name, and reason for calling before answering any questions
- Do: Request written correspondence instead of verbal confirmation
- Do: Hang up and independently verify by calling the official number of the organisation they claim to represent
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail if you don't recognise the number
- Do: Block 0288980118 immediately if the call is unsolicited
How to Report 02 8898 0118
If you receive scam or harassment calls from 02 8898 0118, report the incident to Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - Report attempted fraud or personal information requests. Scamwatch tracks scam patterns and advises the public.
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - Lodge a complaint about the number with the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which can investigate and take action against persistent scammers.
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - If the scam involved online components or data theft, report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
- Your phone provider - Contact AAPT Limited (the provider for 0288980118) to report the abusive use of their number and request blocking.
- Reverseau - Contribute your own experience with 02 8898 0118 to help other Australians identify and avoid this number.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8898 0118!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Just got a call saying they were looking for my brother who they mentioned by name but didn't know our relation. They said it was a private business in Sydney and couldn't tell me why they were looking for him or the business name.
Trying to scam confidential information.
Scammer. Tried to get my confidential info. Told them to eff off and hang up.
Debt collection company. They used this to contact a neighbour to "pass on an urgent message".
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8898 0118!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the caller from 02 8898 0118 know my brother's name but nothing else about him?
One contributor received a call from 02 8898 0118 where the caller mentioned their brother by name but couldn't explain their relationship or business purpose. This suggests the caller obtained the name from a data source (possibly a list or breach) but lacked full context about the target. Legitimate callers typically know why they're contacting you and can explain the reason immediately. If 0288980118 calls and mentions someone by name without clear purpose, it's a red flag.
What should I do if 02 8898 0118 claims to be from a debt collection company?
One report describes 0288980118 being used to contact a neighbour with an "urgent message" on behalf of a debt collection agency. Legitimate debt collectors contact the person directly and provide verifiable details. If 02 8898 0118 calls a third party about you, hang up and independently verify by contacting your actual creditor or checking your official debt records. Do not provide information to unverified callers claiming to be collectors.
Is 0288980118 a scam number or just spam?
Reports about 0288980118 indicate a mix of behaviours: two reports describe direct attempts to extract confidential information (scam), one describes vague business pretence with information-gathering intent (suspicious), and one describes debt collection contact (spam). The common thread is that callers from 02 8898 0118 are attempting to obtain or verify personal information without clear legitimate reason. Treat all calls from 0288980118 as high-risk.
Why shouldn't I tell the caller from 02 8898 0118 they have the wrong number if they ask for someone?
If 02 8898 0118 calls asking for someone by name, confirming or denying whether that person lives at your number reveals information to the scammer. This tells them their contact data was accurate and encourages further contact. Instead, simply say 'Not available' and hang up, or do not answer. Never confirm identities, addresses, or relationships to unknown callers from 0288980118.
What if I accidentally gave information to 02 8898 0118 before realising it was a scam?
If you've shared personal details with 02 8898 0118, monitor your accounts closely for unusual activity, change your passwords, and contact your bank and relevant services immediately. Report the call to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) so they can track 0288980118's activity and warn other Australians. Consider placing a fraud alert with your financial institutions.
Can I block 02 8898 0118 on my phone?
Yes. Most Australian phones allow you to block numbers directly in your contacts or call history. Block 0288980118 to prevent future calls. Additionally, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au to opt out of telemarketing, though this may not stop scam calls from 02 8898 0118. Reporting 0288980118 to ACMA helps authorities track and potentially shut down the scam operation.