- Suspicious
- Scam
02 9099 7983 (0290997983): Community reports of Telstra impersonation calls claiming IP security risks, using personal details to build credibility.
Telstra Impersonation Reports for 02 9099 7983
Two contributors have reported scam calls from 02 9099 7983 (also written as 0290997983) impersonating Telstra. The callers demonstrated knowledge of personal details including the recipient's middle name and phone number, then pivoted to claims about IP security risks. This tactic of using accurate personal information to establish false credibility is a known indicator of data breach sourcing or social engineering preparation.
One contributor who received a call from 02 9099 7983 noted that when they challenged the caller about the legitimacy of the claim, the caller immediately hung up. This pattern of disengaging when questioned is common among impersonation scammers who rely on initial compliance rather than sustained conversation.
What Callers from 02 9099 7983 Claim
Contributors report that callers from 02 9099 7983 specifically claimed to represent Telstra and stated the recipient's IP address was at risk. The scammers demonstrated they already knew personal identifying information, including the recipient's middle name and registered phone number. This pre-existing knowledge was likely presented as evidence of legitimacy, designed to lower the recipient's guard before requesting action or payment.
When one contributor questioned the authenticity of the call to 0290997983, the scammer immediately terminated the conversation rather than attempting to maintain the deception or escalate pressure tactics.
Verification and Call Authenticity
A second contributor who received a call from 02 9099 7983 attempted to verify the caller by dialling the number back. The number 0290997983 did not connect or was not in service when called back, confirming the number was not a legitimate Telstra contact line. This is a critical red flag: legitimate companies maintain active inbound and callback capability on their contact numbers.
The 02 area code suggests a New South Wales-based number, though it is registered as a local service through Symbio Networks. Scammers frequently spoof or register numbers in legitimate service provider ranges to increase call answer rates.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9099 7983
If 02 9099 7983 calls you:
- Do not: Engage with claims about your IP, internet, or account security. Do not provide any personal information, passwords, or access to your device.
- Do not: Return the call to 0290997983 or follow any instructions provided by the caller.
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller claims to be from Telstra or any other service provider.
- Do: Contact Telstra directly using the phone number on your bill or via their official website to verify any legitimate account concerns.
- Do: Block 02 9099 7983 on your phone to prevent further contact.
- Do: Be aware that legitimate companies will never cold-call claiming your IP or account is at risk and requesting immediate action.
How to Report 02 9099 7983
- Report to Scamwatch: Visit scamwatch.gov.au and submit a detailed report. Include the exact claims made, when the call occurred, and any personal information the caller referenced.
- Report to ACMA: The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) accepts complaints about scam calls at acma.gov.au. Providing call details helps ACMA track impersonation patterns.
- Report to Telstra: Contact Telstra directly via their official customer service number (on your bill) to report the impersonation. This alerts them to potential data breaches or account targeting.
- Report on Reverseau: If you receive a call from 02 9099 7983, add your report to this phone number's profile to help other Australians identify the scam.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9099 7983!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Claimed to be Telstra saying IP at risk, knew my middle name and phone number, hung up when called out
Scam call. Called back number and it doesn't exist. Don't pick up.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9099 7983!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the caller from 02 9099 7983 know my middle name and phone number?
Scammers obtain this information through data breaches, publicly available records, or social engineering. The fact that 0290997983 callers already possessed accurate personal details was intentional - it was designed to make the impersonation seem credible. Legitimate Telstra representatives will never need to 'verify' your identity by stating information you've already given them.
Is 02 9099 7983 a real Telstra number?
No. One contributor attempted to call 0290997983 back and the number did not connect or was not in service. Legitimate company contact lines remain active. The 02 area code and local service registration through Symbio Networks does not make 02 9099 7983 authentic - scammers deliberately use numbers in legitimate provider ranges to increase answer rates.
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 02 9099 7983?
If you provided personal information, passwords, or account details to someone claiming to be from 02 9099 7983, contact Telstra immediately using the number on your bill. If you shared financial information, contact your bank. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity. You can also report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Why did the caller hang up when questioned?
Scammers who impersonate companies like Telstra rely on initial compliance and avoid sustained challenge. When one contributor questioned the caller from 02 9099 7983, the scammer terminated the call rather than attempting to maintain the false identity. This is typical behaviour - they move to easier targets rather than defend a collapsing deception.
What does 'IP at risk' mean in the context of the 02 9099 7983 calls?
The caller from 0290997983 claimed the recipient's IP address was at risk. This is a common scam opener used to create urgency and justify immediate action. It has no specific meaning in this context - it's a vague threat designed to trigger fear. Legitimate internet service providers do not cold-call about IP security risks.
How can I verify if Telstra is actually trying to contact me?
Do not trust any claims made during an incoming call from 02 9099 7983 or similar numbers. Instead, hang up and contact Telstra directly using the customer service number on your bill or their official website. Telstra will never ask you to take immediate action based on an unsolicited call, especially regarding security threats.