02 9078 6409 - 0290786409: PayPal Impersonation & Phishing Reports

• Scam
• Suspicious

02 9078 6409 (0290786409): 8 reports of PayPal impersonation scams via SMS and email. Callers claim unauthorized charges, request personal info, and include phishing links.

PayPal Impersonation Reports for 02 9078 6409

Eight contributors have reported 02 9078 6409 (also written as 0290786409) appearing in coordinated PayPal impersonation scams. The pattern is consistent across reports: messages and emails falsely claiming to be from PayPal, requesting urgent action, and directing recipients to call the number or click embedded links. Six reports categorise this as confirmed scam activity, with two additional reports flagging the number as suspicious.

The phishing tactics are sophisticated. Contributors received SMS messages that appeared legitimate at first glance, emails with attached PDFs, and messages claiming recurring payments or unauthorised purchases. One contributor received a call linked to a fraudulent bitcoin purchase email, with the caller claiming PayPal would charge them if they didn't ring back within 12 hours. Multiple reports note the sender names used in emails (Rosario Seaward, Malcolm Heirendt) were recognisably fake.

What Callers and Messages from 02 9078 6409 Claim

Contributors report 0290786409 appearing in messages with several distinct false scenarios. The most common claims include:

• Unauthorised charges or suspicious transactions requiring immediate verification
• Recurring payments set up without authorisation
• iPhone purchases or bitcoin transactions allegedly charged to the account
• Urgent callback required within a specific timeframe (12 hours mentioned in one report) to prevent charges

The language in messages from 02 9078 6409 mimics PayPal's legitimate communication style closely. One contributor noted the SMS looked "too legit" before flagging it as scam. Emails included official-looking formatting and referenced specific transaction types (Agreed Transfer Finalisation, recurring payments) to create false urgency. Several reports mention attached PDFs designed to appear as payment receipts or transaction records.

Phishing Links and Personal Information Requests

A critical pattern across 0290786409 reports involves phishing links embedded in messages. Four contributors identified links in emails and SMS messages designed to capture login credentials or personal information. Two reports specifically mention requests for personal information during contact with the number, suggesting the scam progresses through multiple stages: initial phishing message, malicious link click, then direct contact to extract sensitive data.

Contributors who clicked or engaged with 02 9078 6409 scam messages report being directed to fake PayPal login pages or requested to provide account details, email addresses, and payment information to "verify" their identity or "resolve" the disputed charge.

Report Patterns and Timing

The majority of reports are recent, with six of eight contributions submitted in January 2026. This suggests either a resurgence of this particular scam campaign or increased community awareness. Two older reports from August 2025 indicate this number has been associated with PayPal impersonation scams for at least six months. The allocation data shows 02 9078 6409 is registered as an Optus local service number in NSW.

Reports span multiple contact channels: SMS (2 direct reports), email with attachments (5 reports), and one answered call. This multi-channel approach suggests coordinated scam infrastructure rather than isolated fraud attempts.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9078 6409

If you receive a call from 02 9078 6409 claiming to be PayPal:

• Do not: Provide any personal, account, or payment details; act on time pressure claims; follow instructions to confirm your identity; access links they provide
• Do: Hang up immediately; block the number; verify independently by logging into your PayPal account directly (don't use numbers or links provided by the caller); contact PayPal's official customer service number from their website
• Remember: PayPal will never call or text asking you to verify sensitive information or click links to confirm transactions

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 9078 6409

If you receive an SMS from 0290786409 claiming to be from PayPal:

• Do not: Click any links in the message; reply to the SMS; call the number provided; open any attachments if received via email
• Do: Delete the message immediately; block the number; mark it as spam; forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA report number for phishing); report it to PayPal directly through their website or app
• If you clicked the link: Change your PayPal password immediately, monitor your account for unauthorised activity, and consider placing a fraud alert with your bank

How to Report 02 9078 6409

Contributors can help protect others by reporting 0290786409 and related PayPal scams through multiple channels:

• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report phishing SMS to 0429 999 888 or file a complaint at acma.gov.au
• Scamwatch: Report the scam details at scamwatch.gov.au, which tracks patterns and publishes public warnings
• PayPal: Forward suspicious messages to spoof@paypal.com and report through your PayPal account security centre
• ReportCyber: If you suffered financial loss or data compromise, report at cyber.gov.au
• Reverseau: Share your experience with 02 9078 6409 to help other Australians identify and avoid this scam

Frequently Asked Questions