- Scam
Scam alert: 04 0018 8654 (0400188654) sending fake Telstra SMS about losing loyalty points with phishing links and fake urgency.
Telstra Impersonation SMS Scam from 04 0018 8654
One contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 04 0018 8654 (also written as 0400188654) claiming to be from Telstra. The message warned that loyalty points would expire soon, creating artificial urgency to prompt immediate action. This is a classic impersonation tactic used by scammers to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information.
The SMS from 0400188654 included a phishing link designed to capture Telstra customer credentials or payment details. Contributors who fall for this scam risk having their Telstra account compromised, leading to unauthorised charges, identity theft, or account takeover.
What the SMS from 04 0018 8654 Claims
The reported message from 04 0018 8654 impersonates Telstra by warning about expiring loyalty points. This urgency-driven approach is intentionally deceptive - legitimate Telstra communications do not arrive as SMS demanding immediate action on account points. The scammer is counting on recipients acting quickly without verifying the sender's legitimacy.
- Claims to be Telstra about account loyalty points
- States points will expire or be lost soon
- Includes a phishing link for recipients to click
- Uses time pressure to bypass critical thinking
Report Details and Context
The SMS from 0400188654 was reported on 11 January 2026. The number is allocated as a mobile service through Telstra Limited, which makes the impersonation more convincing but no more legitimate. Scammers frequently use legitimate-looking sender information to build false credibility. The inclusion of both urgency and a phishing link indicates this is a coordinated scam attempt rather than random spam.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 0018 8654
If you receive a message from 04 0018 8654:
- Do not: Click any links, reply to the message, or download attachments
- Do not: Enter personal details, passwords, or payment information
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block the number in your phone settings
- Do: Verify directly with Telstra by calling their official number from your bill or their website
- Do: Report the SMS to Telstra directly and to Australian authorities
Legitimate companies like Telstra will never send unsolicited SMS demanding urgent action on account details. Any message pressuring you to click a link or verify information via text should be treated with extreme suspicion.
How to Report 04 0018 8654
If you receive this scam SMS from 0400188654:
- Report to Telstra: Forward suspicious SMS to Telstra's spam reporting line or contact them directly through their official website or phone number on your bill
- Report to ACMA: Lodge a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au
- Report to Scamwatch: Document the scam at scamwatch.gov.au for awareness and tracking
- Report to ReportCyber: If you clicked the link or suspect phishing, report at cyber.gov.au
- Contribute to Reverseau: Share your experience on this page to help other Australians identify and avoid this scam
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Text claiming to be Telstra about losing points soon
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 04 0018 8654 a real Telstra number?
While 0400188654 is allocated to Telstra Limited as a mobile service, scammers can spoof legitimate-looking numbers to impersonate companies. The SMS asking you to click a link about expiring points is not a genuine Telstra communication. Verify any account concerns by calling Telstra directly using the number on your official bill.
What happens if I click the link in the SMS from 04 0018 8654?
Clicking the phishing link from 0400188654 will likely direct you to a fake Telstra login page designed to steal your username, password, and personal details. Scammers can then access your account, make unauthorised purchases, or commit identity theft. If you clicked the link, change your Telstra password immediately and contact Telstra directly.
Why do scammers use urgency about loyalty points?
Scammers use artificial urgency like 'points expiring soon' from 04 0018 8654 to bypass your careful thinking. When you feel rushed, you're more likely to act without verifying the sender's legitimacy. Telstra does not send unsolicited SMS pressuring you to click links about account details. Always take time to verify before clicking.
Should I reply to or block 0400188654?
Do not reply to the SMS from 04 0018 8654. Replying confirms your number is active and may lead to more scam attempts. Instead, block the number immediately in your phone settings and delete the message. Then report it to Telstra and ACMA using the methods above.
How do I verify if a message is genuinely from Telstra?
Legitimate Telstra communications will never include unsolicited links in SMS or demand urgent action. If you're unsure about a message from 0400188654 or any sender claiming to be Telstra, hang up and call Telstra directly using the number on your official bill or from their website. Do not use contact details provided in the suspicious SMS.
What should I do if I already entered details after clicking the link from 04 0018 8654?
If you entered credentials or payment details after clicking the phishing link from 0400188654, contact Telstra immediately and change your password. Monitor your account for unauthorised activity and consider placing a fraud alert with the Australian government's cyber reporting service at cyber.gov.au. Report the scam to ACMA and Scamwatch to help protect other Australians.