- Scam
0401 389 012 (0401389012): One contributor reports a caller posing as a buyer, requesting use of a flagged PAYSPEND phishing link to steal personal information.
Phishing Link Scam Reports for 0401 389 012
A single contributor has reported receiving a call from 0401 389 012 (also written as 0401389012) from someone claiming to be named Steve. The caller posed as a prospective buyer or transaction partner, then directed the contributor toward a suspicious payment link flagged as spam. The PAYSPEND link was the primary tool used to attempt access to the contributor's personal or financial information.
This Optus mobile number exhibits classic phishing behaviour: establishing false trust through a casual persona, then pivoting to a malicious link as the core ask. The contributor's awareness that the link was spam-flagged likely prevented financial or identity theft.
What the Caller from 0401 389 012 Requested
According to the report, the caller introduced himself as "Steve" and framed the interaction around a buying or transaction scenario. Once engagement was established, he shifted focus to requesting the contributor use a PAYSPEND link. The contributor recognised the link as flagged spam, which halted the scam attempt. The goal appears to have been harvesting login credentials, payment card details, or personal identification data through the phishing page.
How Phishing Attempts from 0401389012 Work
Phishing scams calling from numbers like 0401 389 012 typically follow a pattern: create a believable reason for contact (buyer, payment, refund, or prize claim), build rapport with a casual name, then introduce the malicious link as a "necessary step" (verification, payment processing, claim confirmation). Contributors who click receive fake login pages or malware. Those who hesitate or question the link often experience pressure or urgency tactics to override caution.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 0401 389 012
If 0401389012 calls you:
- Do not: Click any links sent via SMS, email, or chat during the call; use payment platforms or links suggested by the caller; provide personal details, passwords, or banking information; stay on the line with unfamiliar personas asking for access to accounts
- Do: Hang up immediately if asked to use an external payment or verification link; independently verify the caller's identity by contacting the organisation directly using a known phone number or official website; block the number 0401 389 012 to prevent future contact; report the phishing link separately via your email provider or payment service
- If unsure: Tell the caller you'll call them back via official channels, then independently verify before proceeding. Legitimate organisations never initiate contact via unknown numbers to request link clicks.
How to Report 0401 389 012
Report this phishing scam through multiple channels to maximise impact:
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - Australian Cyber Security Centre's reporting platform for phishing links, malware, and online fraud
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - ACMA's official scam reporting service; include the phishing link and caller details
- ACMA: acma.gov.au - Report the number 0401 389 012 as a source of phishing attempts; ACMA can action carrier investigations
- Payment Platform: If the PAYSPEND link or associated payment service is known, report it directly to prevent further victims
- Reverseau: Share your experience with 0401389012 to help other Australians identify this scam pattern
Why Phishing Scams Use Mobile Numbers
Scammers prefer mobile numbers like 0401 389 012 because they appear less institutional than landlines or 1800 numbers, building false familiarity. Optus mobile numbers (0401389012 format) are harder to trace and block than business landlines. The casual "Steve" persona combined with an Optus mobile creates psychological safety that increases the likelihood a contributor will engage before recognising the phishing link.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Bloke named Steve pretending to buy stuff, wanted me to use PAYSPEND link that was flagged as spam
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What is the PAYSPEND link scam associated with 0401 389 012?
According to the report, the caller from 0401389012 posed as a buyer and directed the contributor toward a PAYSPEND link flagged as spam. Phishing links like this steal login credentials, payment details, or personal identification when clicked. The contributor in this case recognised it as spam and did not click, avoiding compromise. Do not use any payment or verification links suggested by callers from unknown numbers like 0401 389 012.
Why would someone call from 0401 389 012 pretending to be a buyer?
Scammers use buyer or transaction scenarios to establish credibility before introducing the phishing link. By framing the call as a legitimate purchase or payment negotiation, callers create urgency and trust. Once engaged, the contributor is more likely to comply with requests. The caller from 0401389012 used this tactic to lower defences before requesting the link click that would compromise personal data.
Is 0401389012 a legitimate Optus number?
0401 389 012 is registered to Optus Mobile, but registration does not guarantee legitimacy. Scammers routinely spoof or use legitimate mobile numbers to conduct phishing attacks. The content of the call - requesting a flagged payment link - confirms malicious intent. Do not assume a number is safe because it appears as a standard mobile format.
What should I do if I already clicked the PAYSPEND link from 0401 389 012?
If you clicked a link from 0401389012: change passwords for email, banking, and payment accounts immediately; monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions; consider a credit freeze with Australian credit bureaus; report the phishing link to your bank and to cyber.gov.au. Contact Services Australia if you suspect identity theft or myGov account compromise. The quicker you act, the more you limit potential damage.
How many people have reported 0401 389 012?
One contributor has reported this phishing scam from 0401389012. This does not mean it is safe or isolated - scammers often target multiple people using the same tactics and phone number. If you receive a similar call from 0401 389 012, report it to Reverseau and to ACMA to build the community safety record.
Can I block 0401 389 012 on my phone?
Yes. On most Australian mobile phones, you can block 0401389012 in your contacts app or phone settings. For Optus customers, you may also use Optus call filtering features via the My Optus app. Blocking 0401 389 012 will prevent future calls from this number, though scammers often rotate numbers. Report the number to Reverseau and ACMA so others are warned.