- Scam
Community report for 03 9654 1680 (0396541680): Caller impersonated federal police investigating credit card fraud with intimidation tactics.
Police Impersonation Reports for 03 9654 1680
A contributor has reported receiving a call from 03 9654 1680 (also written as 0396541680) where the caller claimed to be a federal police officer investigating fraud on the recipient's credit card. This type of impersonation represents a serious scam tactic, as it exploits the authority and legitimacy associated with law enforcement to manipulate victims into compliance or divulging sensitive information.
The report about 0396541680 is concerning because it combines two key scam elements: false authority (claiming to represent federal police) and urgency created through threat language. This combination is designed to bypass critical thinking and force quick decisions from the target.
What the Caller from 03 9654 1680 Claimed
According to the report, the caller from 03 9654 1680 stated they were a federal police officer and claimed to be investigating fraud activity linked to the recipient's credit card. The use of threat language in the call suggests the caller attempted to create a sense of immediate danger or legal jeopardy to push the recipient into taking action, such as transferring funds, providing account details, or confirming personal information.
Police and law enforcement agencies never conduct initial fraud investigations by cold-calling individuals and demanding immediate action. Legitimate police inquiries about credit card fraud are typically handled through official channels, formal notifications, or requests initiated by the cardholder themselves after reporting suspected fraud to their bank.
Call Details and Allocation
The call from 03 9654 1680 was received as an answered call (meaning the contributor picked up). The number is allocated as a local service in Victoria through Telstra Limited, which gives it a veneer of legitimacy-scammers often use numbers that appear to be local to their target's state to increase the likelihood of calls being answered.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 9654 1680
If 03 9654 1680 calls you:
- Do not: Provide any personal information, bank details, or credit card numbers; confirm your identity; agree to transfer funds; or follow instructions given by the caller
- Do: Hang up immediately; note the number and time of the call; contact your bank directly using the official number on your card or statement if you have concerns about your credit card; and block the number on your phone
- Remember: Federal police and legitimate law enforcement will never threaten arrest over the phone or demand immediate payment or personal information during an unsolicited call
How to Report 03 9654 1680
Report this number and your experience through the following Australian government resources:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's scam reporting portal. Scamwatch collates reports to identify emerging scam patterns and warns the public.
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - The Australian Communications and Media Authority. ACMA can investigate the phone number and coordinate with telecommunications providers like Telstra to take action against scam operations.
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - If the scam involved any online component or you were directed to a malicious website, report it here.
- Reverseau - You can also contribute your report directly to Reverseau to help other Australians identify and avoid this number.
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Rang saying they were federal cops investigating fraud on my credit card
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Would federal police really call me about credit card fraud without warning?
No. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not initiate fraud investigations through unsolicited cold calls claiming you're under investigation. If Australian Federal Police or state police need to contact you about fraud, they will do so through formal channels, provide verifiable contact details, and allow you time to independently verify their identity. The call from 03 9654 1680 claiming police authority is a classic scam tactic.
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 0396541680?
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on your card or statement. Inform them of the fraudulent call from 0396541680 and that you may have disclosed sensitive information. Ask them to freeze your accounts, monitor for unauthorised transactions, and advise on next steps. Also contact the Australian Federal Police (afp.gov.au) to formally report the impersonation.
Why do scammers impersonate police when calling from numbers like 03 9654 1680?
Police impersonation is highly effective because it triggers fear and obedience. When someone believes they're speaking to law enforcement, they're more likely to comply with demands, share personal information, or make hasty decisions without verifying the call. The number 03 9654 1680 appears to be a local Victoria service, which adds false credibility to the scam.
Can I block 03 9654 1680 on my phone?
Yes. Most smartphones allow you to block numbers directly. On iPhone, go to your recent calls list, tap the 'i' next to 0396541680, and select 'Block this Caller'. On Android, go to your call log, find 03 9654 1680, and tap the three dots to block it. Blocking prevents the number from calling or texting you in future.
Should I call the number back to tell them to stop?
No. Do not call back 03 9654 1680 or any unknown number claiming to be police. Calling back confirms your number is active and may lead to more scam calls or attempts. Block the number instead and report it to Scamwatch and ACMA.
What if I'm unsure whether a call is really from police?
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be police investigating fraud on 0396541680 or any other number, hang up and call the relevant police service directly using the official contact number you find independently. For federal matters, contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or visit afp.gov.au. Never provide information or take action based on details given in an unsolicited call.