- Scam
- Unknown
03 9017 9452 (0390179452): Community reports describe Indian call centre posing as Telstra with aggressive mimicry tactics when questioned.
Telstra Impersonation Reports for 03 9017 9452
One contributor has reported receiving a call from 03 9017 9452 (also written as 0390179452) from someone claiming to represent Telstra. The caller demonstrated typical scam behaviour when the contributor attempted to avoid engagement, including mocking the contributor's responses. This report suggests the number is being used by an Indian-based call centre operating a Telstra impersonation scheme.
What the Caller from 03 9017 9452 Did
According to the community report, when the contributor received the call from 0390179452, they deliberately gave minimal responses by humming to the initial questions. Rather than accepting this, the caller became confrontational and mimicked the contributor's humming back to them. This behaviour is consistent with scammers who attempt to manipulate or intimidate targets into compliance when initial tactics fail.
The impersonation of Telstra is a particularly common Australian scam tactic, as Telstra is the nation's largest telecommunications provider and contributors are more likely to believe calls from a supposedly legitimate source.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 9017 9452
If 03 9017 9452 calls you:
- Do not: Answer unknown numbers claiming to be from Telstra, share personal or account information, or allow callers to remotely access your device
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail, hang up immediately if the caller becomes aggressive or mimics your behaviour, verify any claims by calling Telstra directly on 133 200 using a number you find independently
- Block: Add 0390179452 to your phone's blocked numbers list to prevent future calls from this number
- Never: Return a missed call from an unknown number, as this may confirm your number is active to scammers
How to Report 03 9017 9452
If you've received a call from 03 9017 9452 or 0390179452, you can report it to Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the call at acma.gov.au - ACMA investigates illegal telemarketing and scam calls
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, including the number 03 9017 9452, what was claimed, and whether money or information was lost
- Telstra directly: Contact Telstra on 133 200 to report the impersonation and check if your account has been targeted
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 0390179452 to help other Australians identify this number
About This Number
03 9017 9452 is allocated as a local service number in Victoria through Verizon Australia Pty Limited. The use of a legitimate-looking local Victorian number by scammers is a tactic known as "spoofing" or number masking, which makes the call appear more trustworthy to recipients.
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Indian call centre posing as Telstra. I refused to say words & just hummed the hare minimum for the first 2 questions & he asked "why I was talking like that" & mimicked me. Clearly a scammer.
Blocked it straight away
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 9017 9452!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer mimic me when I didn't answer properly?
When targets don't respond as expected, some scammers escalate tactics to regain control of the conversation. The mimicry reported in the call from 03 9017 9452 appears designed to be confrontational and intimidating, pushing the target to engage and comply. This is a sign of a frustrated scammer, not a legitimate business representative.
How can I verify if a call from 03 9017 9452 is really from Telstra?
Never trust caller ID alone. If 0390179452 calls claiming to be from Telstra, hang up and call Telstra directly on 133 200 using an official number you find independently (such as from your bill or the official Telstra website). Legitimate Telstra representatives will never ask you to stay on the line while you verify, and they won't mimic or mock you if you're cautious.
What should I do if I already gave information to someone from 03 9017 9452?
Contact Telstra directly on 133 200 to inform them of the potential breach and ask them to secure your account. If you provided payment details or banking information, contact your bank immediately. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity and consider placing a fraud alert with the Bureau of Meteorology or your financial institution.
Is 0390179452 a real Telstra number?
No. While 03 9017 9452 is a valid Victorian local number format, it is allocated to Verizon Australia Pty Limited, not Telstra. Scammers often use legitimate-looking local numbers through spoofing services. Telstra's customer service numbers are 133 200 (standard) and 1800 TELSTRA. Do not assume a number starting with 03 is genuinely from the organisation claiming to call you.
What's the difference between 03 9017 9452 and 0390179452?
They are the same number - 03 9017 9452 is the spaced format commonly used in Australia, while 0390179452 is the unspaced format. Both formats refer to the same local Victorian line. When reporting this number to authorities, you can use either format.
Why would scammers target me with a Telstra impersonation call?
Telstra impersonation scams typically target existing Telstra customers with high-value accounts, or they contact random numbers hoping some will be Telstra customers. Common goals include harvesting login credentials, gaining remote access to devices, or tricking people into paying fake bills. The call from 03 9017 9452 may have been part of a broader targeting campaign.