03 5294 0819 - Scam Alert: Pretending to be Commonwealth Bank

• Scam
• Suspicious

The number 03 5294 0819 has been reported by users as a scam attempting to deceive individuals into authorising fraudulent transactions. Learn how to identify and handle calls from this number to protect yourself.

Identifying the Threat: 03 5294 0819

The phone number 03 5294 0819 / 0352940819 has emerged in recent user reports as a significant scam risk. Victims have indicated that this number is used to impersonate Commonwealth Bank representatives, attempting to trick individuals into believing they need to authorise transactions associated with their accounts. However, many who received these calls, notably those without any affiliation to the bank, quickly recognised the red flags.

The Nature of the Scam

According to multiple users' experiences documented on the 31st of July, 2023, the calls feature spoofed caller IDs showing "COMM-AU," but this is merely a deceitful tactic to lend credibility to the scam attempt. Recipients report being informed of supposedly unauthorised transactions for services like Airbnb totalling several hundred dollars. They were urged to return calls to the same number if they did not recognise the transaction.

The specific type of scam involves manipulating the fear of financial loss. Scammers typically design their narratives around false transaction alerts, knowing that urgency can push victims to act without verification. It's crucial to remember that legitimate financial institutions will not demand that you take immediate action in this manner.

How to Respond

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from 03 5294 0819 / 0352940819, avoid providing any personal information or following their instructions.
• Verify Independently: Contact your bank directly using official contact methods available on their website or through prior documentation.
• Report the Incident: Alert authorities in Australia, like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), as well as your bank's fraud department.
• Stay Informed: Use services like Reverseau or reverse phone lookup Australia to identify phone numbers that have been reported by others.

Conclusion

The appearance of 03 5294 0819 / 0352940819 on your phone should be treated with caution. This scam is a clear reminder of the tactics employed by fraudsters today. Always be vigilant, and when in doubt, opt for direct verification over any phone communications purporting to be from financial entities. By remaining informed and alert, you can protect yourself from fraudulent schemes.