- Uncertain
- Scam
Community reports for 02 9677 7988 (0296777988): Telstra impersonation scam claiming router compromise, plus silent hang-up calls from Blacktown area.
Telstra Impersonation Reports for 02 9677 7988
Two contributors have reported suspicious activity from 02 9677 7988 (also written as 0296777988), a Telstra-allocated local number in the Blacktown area of NSW. One report describes a caller with an Indian accent claiming to represent Telstra, alleging a compromised router and requesting remote computer access. This is a classic tech support impersonation tactic targeting Telstra customers.
The second report from 0296777988 involved a silent hang-up after the contributor picked up, suggesting potential number verification or sequential dialling activity.
What Callers from 02 9677 7988 Claim
The reported caller from 02 9677 7988 claimed affiliation with Telstra and stated the recipient's router had been compromised. The caller then requested remote access to the recipient's computer to "fix" the issue. This request for system access is the critical red flag - legitimate Telstra support will never ask for remote control of your computer via an unsolicited incoming call.
The second interaction with 0296777988 showed no verbal engagement - the caller hung up immediately after the recipient answered, consistent with either automated number-checking or callback verification for a different attack vector.
Report Patterns and Recent Activity
The most recent report of 02 9677 7988 came in yesterday (silent call), while the Telstra impersonation attempt was reported on 2 March. The impersonation call came through answered, meaning the recipient engaged with the caller before recognising the scam claim. The Blacktown origin combined with Telstra allocation suggests this number may be spoofed or deliberately chosen to appear legitimate.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9677 7988
If 02 9677 7988 (0296777988) calls claiming to be from Telstra:
- Do not: Grant remote access to your computer, provide personal information, confirm account details, or follow any instructions to download software
- Do: Hang up immediately, independently verify the caller by phoning Telstra on 13 2200 (the official Telstra number), and block the number if it calls again
- If a silent call: Block 0296777988 and monitor your accounts for any unauthorised activity
- Remember: Real Telstra support initiates contact only after you request help and will never ask for remote access via cold calls
How to Report 02 9677 7988
If you receive a scam call from 02 9677 7988 or 0296777988:
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, the claim made, and whether any information was shared
- Lodge a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au - they track patterns across multiple numbers and can action systemic issues
- Report to Telstra directly via their official channels to alert them their identity is being impersonated
- Block the number in your phone settings to prevent future contact
- If you shared any information or granted access, contact your bank and change passwords immediately
- Report your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9677 7988!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
I was expecting a call but this was showing Blacktown. I picked up but didn’t speak. Caller hung up without speaking.
Bloke with Indian accent claiming to be from Telstra said my router was compromised and wanted remote access to my computer
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9677 7988!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Should I answer calls from 02 9677 7988?
No. If you don't recognise the number, let it go to voicemail. If 0296777988 does reach you claiming to be from Telstra about a router or computer issue, hang up immediately. Legitimate Telstra support calls are initiated by you, not the other way around, and they will never ask for remote computer access on a cold call.
Why would a scammer use a Telstra number like 02 9677 7988?
Scammers impersonating Telstra specifically target Telstra customers and use Telstra-allocated numbers to appear legitimate. The 02 9677 7988 number (0296777988) may be spoofed, purchased, or compromised. Caller ID spoofing is common in tech support scams because it exploits trust in the Telstra brand.
What should I do if I already gave 02 9677 7988 remote access to my computer?
Contact Telstra immediately on 13 2200 to report the incident. Change all your passwords from a different device, monitor your bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorised activity, and consider running antivirus scans. Report to ACMA at acma.gov.au. If you shared banking details, contact your bank directly.
Is 0296777988 a real Telstra number?
0296777988 is allocated to Telstra as a local service number in NSW, but this does not mean Telstra is making these calls. Scammers frequently spoof or misuse legitimately allocated numbers. If you're unsure, hang up and independently call Telstra on 13 2200 using the official number to verify any claims.
What's the danger of granting remote access to a scammer from 02 9677 7988?
Remote access allows scammers to install malware, steal credentials, access banking apps, and harvest personal data. Contributors have reported scammers claiming to be from Telstra on 02 9677 7988 - once they have remote control of your computer, they can redirect you to fake banking portals or transfer funds. This is one of the highest-risk scam tactics.
Why do I keep getting silent calls from 0296777988?
One contributor reported a hang-up from 02 9677 7988 immediately after answering. Silent calls or hang-ups can indicate an automated system verifying that your number is active, which may be used to refine targeting for future scam attempts. Block the number and be cautious of follow-up calls with different claims.