- Uncertain
- Scam
02 9099 7918 (0290997918): Community reports describe automated calls impersonating Commonwealth Bank, claiming fraudulent transactions and requesting account verification via phone prompts.
Commonwealth Bank Impersonation Reports for 02 9099 7918
Two contributors have reported suspicious activity from 02 9099 7918 (also written as 0290997918). One confirmed scam report describes an automated call claiming to be from Commonwealth Bank, alleging a fraudulent transaction of $1800 on the recipient's account. The caller used urgency tactics typical of banking impersonation scams, attempting to pressure the recipient into immediate action.
The call from 02 9099 7918 employed a multi-stage approach: an automated message initiated the contact, then a live operator with unclear audio took over the conversation. This handoff from bot to human is a known tactic to increase perceived legitimacy and capture information from targets who might have immediately hung up on a purely automated call.
What the Caller from 02 9099 7918 Attempted
The automated portion of the call claimed Commonwealth Bank had detected suspicious activity on the recipient's account. The caller requested the recipient press 1 to continue, a standard phishing technique designed to confirm the line is active and the target is engaged. When the recipient proceeded, a woman answered with difficult-to-understand speech, making it harder for the victim to ask clarifying questions or verify legitimacy.
This pattern matches Commonwealth Bank impersonation scams where callers aim to extract account details, security codes, or card information by creating artificial urgency around a fake transaction. The $1800 amount is substantial enough to alarm most account holders without being so large it seems obviously false.
Call Patterns and Timing
The confirmed scam call from 0290997918 came through as an answered call, indicating the recipient picked up and engaged with the automated system before the operator connected. A second report from 02 9099 7918 noted a missed call with an uneasy feeling, suggesting the number may have made multiple attempts to reach contributors or that the pattern of contact itself raised suspicion.
The service is registered to a local NSW provider (Symbio Networks), though this does not indicate legitimacy - scammers frequently route calls through legitimate carrier infrastructure to bypass detection systems.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9099 7918
If 02 9099 7918 calls you claiming to represent your bank:
- Do not: Press any buttons, provide account numbers, security codes, card details, or confirm personal information
- Do not: Follow links or download apps the caller suggests
- Do: Hang up immediately
- Do: Contact Commonwealth Bank directly using the number on your bank statement or their official website to verify any claims about your account
- Do: Report the number to ACMA and Scamwatch
- Do: Block 02 9099 7918 on your phone to prevent future contact
How to Report 02 9099 7918
If you receive a call from 02 9099 7918 attempting banking fraud or impersonation:
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of what the caller claimed
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au - they investigate illegal telemarketing and scams
- Report to Commonwealth Bank directly via their fraud line (number on your bank card or statement)
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if the call included requests for personal data or online credentials
- Contribute your experience to Reverseau to help other Australians identify 0290997918
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9099 7918!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Got a call but didn't pick up, feels iffy
automated call claiming Commonwealth Bank spotted dodgy $1800 transaction, asked me to press 1, woman answered, hard to understand
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9099 7918!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 02 9099 7918?
Contact Commonwealth Bank immediately using the number on your bank statement (not any number the caller provided). Report the call to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. If you disclosed card details, security codes, or online banking passwords, ask your bank to freeze your accounts and monitor for unauthorised transactions. Change your online banking password from a secure device as soon as possible. The fact that 0290997918 is impersonating your bank means your account may be at risk.
How can I verify if a call from 02 9099 7918 is really from Commonwealth Bank?
It is not. Hang up immediately and call Commonwealth Bank back using the number on your bank statement, card, or their official website. Legitimate banks never ask you to press buttons to verify fraud, confirm card details over the phone, or provide security codes. Any call from 02 9099 7918 claiming to be your bank should be treated as a scam. The automated-to-live operator handoff is a common impersonation tactic.
Why did the operator from 0290997918 have unclear audio?
Scammers often use poor audio quality or offshore call centres intentionally or unintentionally, making it harder for targets to understand and ask questions. This also creates a sense of urgency - the victim may feel pressured to act quickly rather than clarify. The unclear speech from the operator on 02 9099 7918 may have been deliberate to prevent pushback on obvious inconsistencies in the scam story.
Is 02 9099 7918 actually Commonwealth Bank's number?
No. The number 0290997918 is a local NSW number registered to Symbio Networks, not Commonwealth Bank. Commonwealth Bank's legitimate customer service numbers are listed on their official website. If you see 02 9099 7918 calling, it is spoofed or misrepresented. Do not assume any incoming call is from your bank - always verify by calling them back on their official number.
What does 'phishing' mean in the context of the 02 9099 7918 call?
Phishing is when a scammer pretends to be a trusted organisation (like Commonwealth Bank) to trick you into revealing sensitive information. The call from 02 9099 7918 used phishing by impersonating your bank and asking you to confirm or provide account details through the phone system. Even if you only pressed 1 on the keypad, you confirmed your line was active and increased the likelihood the scammer would target you further.
Should I block 02 9099 7918 on my phone?
Yes. Blocking 0290997918 will prevent the scammer from reaching you again via this specific number. However, scammers often use multiple numbers, so blocking one number is not a complete solution. Report the number to ACMA at acma.gov.au so they can investigate. Continue to be cautious with any unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, and always hang up and call your bank back directly using their official number.