02 9897 4199: Scam Alert - Prank Call Impersonating Federal Police

• Scam

Beware of calls from 02 9897 4199, reported as a scam. This number impersonates federal police. Learn how to handle such calls and protect yourself from potential scams.

Identifying the Threat: 02 9897 4199

The phone number 02 9897 4199 / 0298974199 has been flagged by various users as associated with a scam, specifically a prank call purporting to be from the federal police. This type of scam usually targets unsuspecting individuals by creating a false sense of urgency.

Scam Analysis

Based on user reports, particularly a notable complaint from November 23, 2018, it appears that callers from this number have been misleading recipients into believing they are in contact with law enforcement officials. The scam often involves requesting that your "tax agent" rings them back, creating a layer of deception that can easily confuse the vulnerable or uninformed.

How to Handle Calls from 02 9897 4199

If you receive a call from this number, here’s how to proceed:

• Do Not Engage: Refrain from providing any personal information or confirming your identity.
• Verify the Caller: If you suspect the call may be legitimate, hang up and contact your local police station directly using a verified number.
• Report the Call: Document the call and report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
• Notify Others: Spread awareness among family and friends to ensure they are also cautious of similar calls.

Additional Tips for Protecting Yourself

Utilising services like Reverseau for Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can also help identify unknown numbers before you answer. Always remain vigilant, especially if the call seems suspicious. You can protect yourself from scams like these by questioning the caller's authenticity and verifying their claims independently.

In summary, 02 9897 4199 / 0298974199 is not a number you can trust. It's crucial to remain vigilant and discern legitimate calls from those designed to exploit your trust.