03 5243 2789 - Scam Alert: Fraudulent Telstra Call

• Scam

The phone number 03 5243 2789 has been reported as a scam, with users experiencing fraudulent calls from individuals claiming to be from Telstra. Learn how to identify and handle such calls effectively.

Identifying the Caller from 03 5243 2789

The phone number 03 5243 2789 / 0352432789 has emerged in user reports as a source of scam calls. Notably, constituents have identified the callers as impersonating representatives of Telstra, luring victims under the guise of providing assistance with their internet connections.

What Happened?

On 19 January 2021, one user reported receiving a suspicious call from this number. The caller, speaking with an Indian accent, claimed to be from Telstra and attempted to solicit information about the user’s internet service. When confronted with doubts about her legitimacy, the caller reportedly became aggressive, which raised further suspicion regarding her intentions.

Classification: Scam

This case falls into the category of scam, particularly an impersonation or tech support scam. Scammers often assume the identities of reputable companies, such as Telstra, to exploit unsuspecting individuals. By claiming to assist with legitimate services, they aim to extract personal information or gain access to financial details.

How to Handle Calls from 03 5243 2789

• Do not divulge any personal or financial information to the caller.
• If challenged, the caller may become aggressive. Remain calm and hang up if you feel uncomfortable.
• Report the scam to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) or your internet service provider.
• Consider using a reverse phone lookup to identify unknown numbers before engaging in conversation.

Staying Safe from Scammers

The best way to protect yourself from fraudulent calls is to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited communication. If you receive a call from a number like 03 5243 2789 / 0352432789, it's not worth taking the risk. Use resources like Reverseau to look up the number's reputation, understand who called, and more importantly, never engage with potential scammers. Familiarising yourself with these tactics can certainly increase your chances of staying safe against such scams.