03 9017 4189: - Possible Email Fraud Scam

• Scam

03 9017 4189 has been reported as a number linked to email fraud. Learn how to recognise this scam and what steps to take if you receive a call from this number.

Understanding the Danger of 03 9017 4189: A Possible Email Fraud Scam

In a digital age where scams and fraudulent activities have become increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential to remain vigilant about the numbers you interact with. One such number that has raised several red flags is 03 9017 4189, which users have reported to be linked to an email fraud scheme.

The recent user report on 02/02/2024 highlights a concerning situation where the individual received an email alleging that they had made an unauthorised purchase of a service called “Security 360 with Life Lock.” The scam message prompted the recipient to contact the number 03 9017 4189 if they had not approved the transaction. This tactic is characteristic of phishing scams, where fraudsters exploit fear and urgency to elicit a response from unsuspecting individuals.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber scam wherein attackers impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive information, such as credit card details or personal identification. The symptoms of this specific scam include:

• Unexpected contact: Receiving unsolicited emails or calls claiming you have made a purchase.
• Urgency: Attempts to scare you into acting quickly without verifying the information.
• Lack of legitimate identification: Scammers typically do not have verifiable details about their purported company or any clear legitimacy.

How to Handle Calls from 03 9017 4189

If you receive a call or an email from 03 9017 4189, our advice is clear:

• Do not engage: Avoid giving out personal information or confirming any details.
• Verify: If you suspect the number could belong to a legitimate company, look up the business independently instead of responding directly to the contact from the caller or the email.
• Report it: Notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) about the incident to help protect others from the scam.

Ultimately, while 03 9017 4189 currently categorises as a possible scam number, your best defence is to stay informed and practice good cybersecurity hygiene. For a deeper understanding of potential scammers, services like Reverseau offer a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia option to help you identify who called and avoid falling victim to similar frauds. Remember, when in doubt, it’s better to hang up than engage.