02 9374 4000: Scam Alert - Fraudulent Calls Pretending to be Google
Beware of calls from 02 9374 4000, reported as a scam attempting to impersonate Google. This article explores user experiences and provides tips on what to do if you receive a call from this number.
Introduction
The phone number 02 9374 4000 / 0293744000 has been flagged by numerous users as a potential scammer, impersonating Google representatives. If you've encountered this number, it's crucial to understand the risks associated with answering these calls.
User Reports: A Recurring Scam
Based on the user reviews, this number is classified as a scam call, with many reports confirming it masquerades as Google. Users have reported that the callers often request to access their screens or ask for personal accounts under the guise of providing support. Such tactics are classic signs of tech support scams, where fraudsters aim to gain access to sensitive information.
Specific Scam Characteristics
- Impersonation: Callers claiming to be from Google often ask for account numbers, suggesting they require login details.
- Screen Sharing Requests: Some users were pressured to share their screens, a major red flag that indicates malicious intent.
- Financial Fraud: Reports indicate unauthorized charges to accounts, often labelled deceptively with terms related to Google.
How to Handle a Call from 02 9374 4000
If you receive a call from this number, consider the following steps:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid providing any personal information or downloading anything suggested by the caller.
- Hang Up: Simply hanging up is often the best course of action.
- Report the Call: Report the number to your bank, the Australian Anti-Fraud Centre, or ACCC. This helps safeguard others from falling victim.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions.
Differentiating Legitimate Calls from Scams
Legitimate calls from banks or service providers will already have identified your account. It's essential to initiate calls to known contacts using official numbers instead of responding to unknown callers.
Conclusion
In summary, 02 9374 4000 / 0293744000 is reported to be associated with ongoing scamming activities, exploiting people by pretending to be Google. Always exercise caution, and remember that if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. For further protection, utilize services like Reverse AU for a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia, empowering you with the ability to identify unknown numbers and who called you in Australia.
Dahlin
I am experiencing a similar issue, where there’s a charge on my bank statement that I didn't authorize. Even after changing my bank cards, the charges keep occurring. If anyone has successfully stopped these payments, please share how you managed to do it.
Bannan
This number claims to be affiliated with Google, but they attempted to use remote software like AnyDesk, which would likely violate their terms of service.
Greiner
I have experienced similar suspicious calls and messages from this number multiple times over several years. Due to this recurring issue, I will be cancelling my card as a precautionary measure. I currently bank with ANZ.
Michaelsen
I noticed a suspicious charge on my credit card that referenced this number. After investigating, I found out that it was actually related to a recent purchase of the Magic Rampage app from Google, and it was not a scam at all.
Bova
I noticed a charge of $43.99 on my credit card statement linked to this phone number, purporting to be from Google Storage in Pyrmont. I have reported this as a disputed transaction with ANZ.
Jessup
I want to warn others about a number that appeared in my Google Play subscriptions. If you see this number listed without further details, it doesn't necessarily signify a scam. I mistakenly signed up for a three-month trial, leading to a hefty subscription charge, so always double-check your subscriptions.
Ashford
There are comments suggesting that this number is a scam, but I believe that those people may not understand fully. This number is reportedly associated with Google Australia, which is based in Sydney.
Fink
I did not receive a call from this number; rather, it appeared on a transaction statement from my Westpac credit card. Like others reported here, it was supposedly associated with a Google payment, but I don't use Google Pay, which raised my suspicions. There was a $2 charge followed by a $2 refund the next day. I contacted Westpac, and they indicated this is often a tactic used to test if an active card can be accessed. Had I not canceled my card, they could have exploited it further.
Filter
My credit card has recently shown multiple small transactions described as "Google," and this phone number is referenced. The bank's fraud department has been alerted due to these suspicious charges. Please check your credit card statements closely, everyone.
Easter
There was no actual call, but I noticed a $17.00 charge on a credit card I had previously paid off and stopped using, although the account remains active. I believe banks should take issues like this more seriously, and I have reported this unauthorized charge to my bank for further investigation.
Heitmann
I noticed a charge of $69.99 that was deducted from my account, labeled as Google*google G.co/helppay.
Provost
SCAM ALERT - A fraudster withdrew money from my bank account! I've contacted my bank about it. The message claimed the charge was for OnlyFans, which is laughable because I’m a 65-year-old woman, and my husband would not authorize that!
Whitlow
ID 287505: This caller pretended to be from Google Ads and started off by asking for my Google account number. I responded rather rudely and hung up. The caller had an Indian accent. I have since blocked the number and reported the incident to Google, the Australian government’s anti-spam authority, and Telstra to have this number blacklisted.
Tomson
We have received calls from this number before, and the bank was able to identify it as a scam. It seems this fraudster is targeting us again.
Cherian
This number has called our reception multiple times, claiming that we have a scheduled call. They have contacted us twice today alone. The high volume of calls we have been getting from Google-related numbers is reaching the level of harassment.
Loe
Scam call pretending to be Google. They ask to share you screen so they can login to your computer to "help with your Google account"
100% a scam!
Dungey
This call claimed to be from Google, but it is a scam. It's important to be cautious and not trust such calls.
Loos
This caller pretended to be from Google and asked me to share my screen with them so they could access my Google account. I advise everyone to be cautious and avoid engaging with such requests!
Kenner
I called the number because I was alerted about unauthorized charges of $7.99 monthly. However, I was only met with an IVR system, and the call dropped after 5 minutes of waiting. I previously contacted my bank, and they confirmed the charges are not fraudulent and suggested I speak with the merchant instead. This has been incredibly frustrating, and I might need to consider creating a new Google account and canceling my card.
Brockway
Claims to be Google but can tell me my company name I pay for Google adds so they have my company name.
Guillot
I received a call claiming to be someone from Google double checking an address of one our store locations. After the address he had was wrong, he quickly ended the call.