- Scam
02 8909 7172 (0289097172): Community reports describe Google impersonation scams via SMS and calls, with fake Authenticator alerts and phishing links targeting account access.
Google Impersonation Scam Reports for 02 8909 7172
Five contributors have flagged 02 8909 7172 (also written as 0289097172) for sophisticated Google impersonation activity. The reports indicate a coordinated scam using both SMS and phone calls to trick recipients into believing their Google accounts or devices have been compromised. Contributors describe the callers as polished and professional, making the deception convincing.
The scam centres on fake Google Authenticator alerts claiming the recipient has moved their authentication to a new device. One contributor received an SMS from 0289097172 stating "Google Authenticator was reissued to new device" with urgent instructions to call back if the change wasn't authorised. Another report describes a similar SMS warning, designed to create immediate panic about account security.
What Callers and Messages from 02 8909 7172 Say
Contributors report receiving SMS messages falsely claiming to be from Google, referencing Google Authenticator and device changes. The messages pressure recipients to call back immediately, framing the callback as a security measure. One contributor noted the scammers "are pros," suggesting they use convincing scripts and urgency tactics.
The SMS texts include phishing links alongside the false Authenticator alerts. When recipients call back to 02 8909 7172 in response to these messages, they encounter fake Google support representatives who attempt to gain access to accounts or extract sensitive information. One contributor who answered a call from this number described it as "definitely a scam," emphasising how credible the impersonation sounded.
Report Patterns and Timing
Reports arrived within 24 hours, suggesting active campaign activity. Three reports came from answered calls and two from SMS messages, indicating the scammers are using multiple channels to increase success rates. The SMS reports specifically mention the Authenticator angle, while call reports describe the impersonators claiming to represent Google support directly.
The number is allocated to NSW via Primus Telecommunications, though the scammers' location is likely overseas given the impersonation tactics and scale of the operation.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8909 7172
If 02 8909 7172 calls you:
- Do not: Answer or engage with claims about your Google account, Authenticator, or device changes
- Do not: Provide any personal information, passwords, recovery codes, or authentication details
- Do not: Allow remote access to your device or account
- Do: Hang up immediately
- Do: Block the number on your phone
- Do: Verify any account warnings by logging into Google directly (google.com) using your normal method, not via any links or numbers provided by the caller
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 8909 7172
If you receive an SMS from 0289097172 claiming to be from Google:
- Do not: Click any links in the message
- Do not: Call the number provided
- Do not: Reply to the SMS
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block the number
- Do: Report the SMS as spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888
Google will never ask you to verify your account via unsolicited calls or SMS messages. Legitimate security alerts appear in your Google account settings, not via third-party calls or texts.
How to Report 02 8909 7172
Report this scam activity through these official Australian resources:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - report the scam and share your experience
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - report the number and SMS messages
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - report phishing links and account security threats
- Reverseau: Help contributors by reporting your experience with 02 8909 7172 on this page
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8909 7172!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Careful - just received this. Scam alert.
Fake SMS saying Google Authenticator. Moved to new device and to call them...
This just happened to me. DEFINITELY a scam. These guys are pros. Hang up.
Seems like a fake Google support scammers.
Text saying Google Authenticator was reissued to new device, warned to call back if not me
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8909 7172!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I clicked a link from an SMS claiming to be from Google?
If you clicked a link from 0289097172, avoid entering any personal information on the subsequent page. Change your Google password immediately by visiting google.com directly (not via any link from the SMS). Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Monitor your account for unauthorised activity. Consider reporting the link to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) and the SMS to ACMA (acma.gov.au). If you entered any credentials, enable recovery options and consider signing out of all active sessions.
Is 02 8909 7172 a real Google support number?
No. Multiple contributors confirm that 02 8909 7172 (0289097172) is used for scam impersonation, not legitimate Google support. Google does not proactively call or text users about Authenticator changes or account security via unsolicited contact. Any such contact should be treated as scam. To contact real Google support, visit support.google.com.
Why would they mention Google Authenticator specifically?
The scammers targeting 02 8909 7172 mention Google Authenticator because it's a security feature many users have enabled. By claiming the Authenticator was moved to a new device, they create urgency and fear about account compromise. This tricks recipients into calling back to 0289097172, where the scammers attempt to extract account access details or recovery codes under the guise of verifying identity.
What happens if I call back the number in the SMS?
If you call back 02 8909 7172 in response to a fake Google Authenticator SMS, you will reach scammers posing as Google support. They will attempt to convince you to grant remote access to your device, share recovery codes, or provide other information that lets them take over your Google account. Contributors describe these callers as polished and professional, making their deception very convincing. Never call back numbers from unsolicited SMS messages.
How can I verify if my Google Authenticator has actually been moved?
Log into your Google account directly at google.com using your normal login method (not via any links from 02 8909 7172 or 0289097172). Navigate to your Security settings (myaccount.google.com/security). Look at your Authenticator status and review recent account activity. If you see no suspicious changes and didn't authorise any device transfers, the SMS from this number is a scam. Google will show any legitimate Authenticator changes in your account settings, not via text or call.
Should I block 02 8909 7172?
Yes. Block 0289097172 immediately on your phone. Multiple contributors confirm this number is used for scam impersonation. Blocking prevents follow-up calls and SMS messages from the same number, though scammers may use different numbers in future campaigns. You can also report the number to your phone provider and to ACMA (acma.gov.au) to help protect other Australians.