- Spam
- Scam
Community reports for 03 9022 0494 (0390220494): Callers impersonating AER demanding credit card details and CVV for fake rebate offers.
AER Impersonation Scam Reports for 03 9022 0494
Two contributors have reported scam calls from 03 9022 0494 (also written as 0390220494) involving impersonation of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). The callers claim to offer credit card rebates, a tactic designed to extract sensitive financial information from unsuspecting recipients.
A significant red flag emerged when one contributor verified the claim directly with the AER and confirmed the regulator only uses private numbers for official contact. This verification confirms that any call from 0390220494 claiming AER affiliation is fraudulent.
What Callers from 03 9022 0494 Claim
Contributors who answered calls from 03 9022 0494 report that the caller posed as an AER representative and offered a credit card rebate. The caller then immediately demanded sensitive payment card information, specifically requesting the card expiry date and CVV security code.
This tactic is a direct financial compromise attempt. Once a scammer obtains card expiry and CVV details from 0390220494, they can use that information to make fraudulent purchases or sell the data on underground markets. The rebate offer serves solely as a pretext to lower the target's guard and encourage card detail disclosure.
Why This Impersonation Is Particularly Dangerous
The AER is a legitimate Australian government regulator responsible for energy market oversight. Impersonating the AER adds perceived authority and credibility that makes the scam more convincing. Contributors may be more inclined to trust and comply with someone claiming official regulatory status.
One contributor's follow-up verification with the AER revealed critical information: the regulator does not initiate contact about rebates via incoming calls to random numbers. This is a key indicator that any unsolicited call from 03 9022 0494 claiming AER affiliation is definitely a scam.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 9022 0494
If 03 9022 0494 calls you claiming to be from the AER or offering a credit card rebate:
- Do not: Provide your credit card details, expiry date, CVV, or any other payment information
- Do not: Confirm your identity, address, or date of birth
- Do not: Stay on the line debating or questioning the caller
- Do: Hang up immediately
- Do: Block the number 0390220494 in your phone settings
- Do: Verify any rebate or energy-related claims by contacting the AER directly using the official contact details on their website, never using details the caller provides
What to Do If You Disclosed Information
If you already provided your credit card details, expiry, or CVV to 03 9022 0494:
- Contact your bank immediately: Report the scam and request card cancellation
- Request a new card: Ask your bank to issue a replacement card with new details
- Monitor statements: Watch for unauthorised transactions over the next 3 months
- Consider a credit freeze: Contact the major credit reporting agencies if you're concerned about identity theft
How to Report 03 9022 0494
Report this scam number and help protect other Australians:
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au, including the caller's claims and any information requested
- ACMA: Report the scam call to the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au
- Your bank: If card details were compromised, report the scam to your financial institution
- Reverseau: Add your own report about 0390220494 to help build community awareness and protect others who may receive calls from this number
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 9022 0494!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Checking other comments it looks like they're flogging solar setups
Checked with AER and they only use private numbers, so this is a scam caller
Claimed to be from AER offering credit card rebate, demanded my card expiry and CVV
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 9022 0494!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer impersonate the AER?
The AER is an official Australian government regulator, so impersonating them adds false credibility and makes targets more likely to comply with demands. A contributor who received a call from 03 9022 0494 verified directly with the AER that the regulator doesn't initiate contact about rebates via unsolicited calls, confirming the scam.
What should I do if 0390220494 calls me about an energy rebate?
Hang up immediately. Do not provide any information. If you're concerned about a legitimate rebate, contact your energy provider or the AER using official contact details from their website, never numbers provided by unsolicited callers from 03 9022 0494.
Is it safe to give my credit card CVV over the phone?
No. Legitimate organisations like the AER and banks never ask for CVV numbers over the phone. If someone calling from 03 9022 0494 or any unknown number requests your CVV, card expiry, or other payment details, it's a scam. Hang up and block the number.
What if I already gave my card details to this number?
Contact your bank immediately. Report the scam, request your card to be cancelled, and ask for a replacement with new details. Monitor your statements for unauthorised transactions over the next several months. You may also want to contact Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au to lodge an official report about 0390220494.
How can I verify if a call claiming to be from the AER is legitimate?
End the call and contact the AER directly using contact details from their official website (not numbers provided by the caller). One contributor who received a call from 03 9022 0494 did this and confirmed the AER only uses private numbers for official business, proving the call was a scam.
Should I block 0390220494?
Yes. Block 03 9022 0494 immediately if it calls you. Multiple contributors have reported this number as a scam impersonating the AER. Blocking prevents future calls and adds the number to your device's spam list, reducing the chance of accidental callback.