02 9475 3187 - Scam Alert: Cyber Crime Impersonation

• Scam

Beware of calls from 02 9475 3187, reportedly associated with a scam involving impersonation of Australian Federal Police officials. Learn how to handle such calls effectively.

Understanding the Reports on 02 9475 3187

The phone number 02 9475 3187 / 0294753187 has been flagged by multiple users as a scam operation. Specifically, the callers claim to represent the Cyber Crime Department of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), bringing alarming messages regarding supposed criminal activities linked to the target's IP address. This tactic is not only deceptive but also manipulates the fear of potential legal actions, prompting unsuspecting individuals to divulge personal information.

Scam Details

Many reports date back to 11 July 2017, where recipients detailed similar experiences of receiving calls from this number. Users reported interactions with callers who had foreign accents, often claiming they were from a cyber crime division and accusing individuals of involvement in suspicious activity linked to their internet connections. The common thread among these reports reveals that it’s part of a larger scam aimed at instilling panic in recipients.

Why This is Considered a Scam

• Impersonation of Authority: The callers falsely represent themselves as officers of the Federal Police, which is a serious breach of trust.
• Pressure Tactics: By using fear-invoking narratives about illegal activities related to the victim's IP address, they aim to rush individuals into compliance.
• Inconsistent Details: The information provided was fabricated, including erroneous claims of past contact attempts via email that were never made.
• Government Confirmation: Contact with the actual Australian Federal Police has corroborated multiple complaints regarding this specific number, explicitly designating it as a malicious scam.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

If you receive a call from 02 9475 3187 / 0294753187 or a similar number bearing suspicious characteristics, follow these steps:

• Do Not Engage: Hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal or financial information.
• Verify the Caller: If in doubt, do not hesitate to hang up and call the legitimate authorities for verification.
• Report the Number: Submit a report to relevant authorities such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre and use services like Reverseau to inform other users about the scam.

Conclusion

Receiving calls from 02 9475 3187 / 0294753187 can be alarming. However, knowing it's a scam can help mitigate any fear it instils. Always remember to protect your personal information and report any suspicious activity. Stay informed with a reliable Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to ensure peace of mind against potential scams, and to help others in the community identify who called them in Australia.