- Suspicious
One contributor reported a suspicious SMS from 0401 466 387 (0401466387) claiming to have missed them by name, then blocking when questioned.
Personal Information Request SMS from 0401 466 387
A contributor received a suspicious text message from 0401 466 387 (also written as 0401466387) that appeared to use personalised information - addressing them by name and claiming to have missed them. When the recipient asked who was contacting them, the sender blocked their number. This pattern suggests a social engineering attempt designed to exploit familiarity and encourage a callback or personal information disclosure.
The number is registered as an Optus mobile service. The use of personal details combined with blocking after being questioned indicates the sender was attempting to establish false credibility before requesting sensitive information.
What Happened When the Contributor Engaged
The contributor who received the text from 0401 466 387 took the sensible step of questioning the sender about their identity. When they asked who was contacting them, they were blocked immediately. When they attempted to call back from a private number to verify the contact, the call was met with a hang-up. This defensive response to questioning is a common red flag in social engineering attempts - legitimate contacts typically provide clear identification rather than blocking or disconnecting.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0401 466 387
If 0401466387 or any similar number sends you a personalised SMS claiming to have missed you or know you:
- Do not: Reply to the message, click any links, or call back the number
- Do not: Provide your name, contact details, banking information, or any other personal data
- Do: Block the number immediately in your phone settings
- Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA spam reporting) before deleting it
- Do: If you know the person the sender claimed to be, verify directly using a known contact method rather than replying to the SMS
Why This Tactic Works and How to Protect Yourself
Messages from 0401 466 387 that use your name or reference previous contact create a false sense of legitimacy. Scammers often source personal information from data breaches, social media, or purchased data lists, then craft messages designed to make you feel they know you. The immediate blocking when questioned prevents you from identifying the actual sender and allows them to move to the next target without consequence.
The pattern of blocking after being questioned, then hanging up on callback attempts, shows the sender knew they couldn't sustain the deception under scrutiny. Legitimate contacts - friends, family, service providers - will always identify themselves clearly when asked.
How to Report 0401 466 387
- Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's SMS spam reporting line)
- Report the number on Reverseau to help other Australians identify suspicious contacts
- Block the number in your phone to prevent further contact attempts
- If you believe your personal information has been compromised, report it to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au
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Strange text addressed by my name saying they missed me, blocked me when I asked who, hung up when I called from private number
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the sender of the SMS from 0401 466 387 block me when I asked who they were?
Blocking immediately after being questioned is a deliberate tactic to prevent verification. The sender from 0401466387 likely knew they couldn't maintain their false premise if you identified them, so blocking stopped the conversation before their deception was exposed. Legitimate contacts don't behave this way - they clarify who they are when asked.
What happens if I call back a number like 0401 466 387 that has blocked me?
The contributor who called 0401466387 back from a private number had their call hung up on immediately. This suggests the sender recognised they were being checked and disconnected to avoid being identified. Never call back numbers that have contacted you suspiciously - if you need to verify, use official contact information you find independently.
How did the sender of the text from 0401466387 know my name?
Personal information like your name is often sourced from data breaches, publicly available social media profiles, or purchased contact lists. Scammers use this information to make their SMS from 0401 466 387 appear more credible. This is why personalised messages claiming familiarity are a major red flag - legitimate friends and family won't play games when you ask who they are.
Should I reply to the SMS from 0401 466 387 to tell them they have the wrong person?
No. Replying to 0401466387 confirms your number is active and monitored, which scammers use to target you further or sell your number to other scam operations. Block the number first, then report it to 0429 999 888. Do not engage with suspicious SMS at all.
Is 0401 466 387 a real Optus number or spoofed?
The number 0401466387 is registered as an Optus mobile service, but this doesn't mean it's legitimate. Scammers can use real mobile numbers by hacking accounts, stealing SIM cards, or registering phones for fraudulent use. The suspicious behaviour - personalised greeting, blocking when questioned, hanging up on callback - indicates misuse regardless of whether the number is genuine.
What should I do after reporting 0401 466 387 to ACMA?
After forwarding the SMS from 0401466387 to 0429 999 888, block the number in your phone settings to prevent future contact. Monitor your phone for similar messages and report any additional suspicious contact. Consider checking your social media privacy settings to limit the personal information publicly visible, as scammers often use this data to craft convincing messages.