- Scam
0401 518 375 (0401518375) flagged for impersonation SMS claiming to be from family member with new number. Optus mobile.
Impersonation SMS Reports for 0401 518 375
A contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 0401 518 375 (also written as 0401518375) using a classic family impersonation tactic. The message claimed the sender had a new phone number, attempting to establish false familiarity before any follow-up requests. This type of initial contact is commonly the first step in romance scams, financial impersonation schemes, or attempts to harvest personal information.
The number is registered to Optus mobile. The impersonation approach used in this SMS to 0401518375 is a red flag because legitimate family members would typically contact you through established channels or reference shared context that a stranger couldn't easily know.
What the SMS from 0401 518 375 Said
The contributor described the text as saying "hey mum got a new number, dodgy." The casual, brief greeting is deliberately designed to seem authentic and urgent without giving the recipient time to verify the claim. Scammers using this tactic on 0401 518 375 rely on people responding quickly without checking with the actual family member through other known contact methods.
Why This Impersonation Tactic Works
Family impersonation SMS from numbers like 0401518375 exploit natural trust. Recipients often assume that people claiming to be close family members are genuine, especially with informal language. The contributor who reported 0401 518 375 correctly identified the message as suspicious, but many people fall for the initial hook and respond, asking follow-up questions or confirming contact details.
Once a reply is sent to 0401 518 375, scammers can escalate to requesting money, banking details, or passwords under the guise of an emergency (car breakdown, medical bill, bail required). The initial "new number" SMS is the trust-building foundation.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0401 518 375
If 0401518375 texts you claiming to be a family member:
- Do not: Reply to the message, click any links, or provide any information
- Do: Contact the family member directly using a phone number you already have saved to verify they actually changed their number
- Do: Block 0401 518 375 immediately after checking
- Do: Delete the message to avoid accidental engagement
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider
How to Report 0401 518 375
If you receive suspicious SMS from 0401518375, report it through these channels:
- Report to your mobile provider: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (Australian mobile networks' spam reporting number) or use your provider's built-in spam reporting feature
- Report to Scamwatch: File a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message and any follow-up contact
- Report to ACMA: Lodge a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au for SMS-based scams
- Contribute to Reverseau: Report your experience with 0401 518 375 on this page to help other Australians recognise the same number
Help others by sharing your experience with 0401 518 375!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Text saying hey mum got a new number, dodgy
Help others by sharing your experience with 0401 518 375!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I already replied to the SMS from 0401 518 375?
If you've responded to 0401518375, stop all communication immediately and block the number. Do not send any additional information. Monitor your bank accounts and email for suspicious activity, as scammers may now target you for follow-up requests. Contact your mobile provider and report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
How can I verify if a family member really changed their number instead of assuming 0401 518 375 is a scam?
Use a contact method you know is legitimate - call or text a family member using a number already in your phone, or reach out through social media where you can see their established profile. Do not use any contact details provided in the suspicious message from 0401 518 375. Real family members will understand and appreciate you verifying before sharing sensitive information.
Why would scammers use this 'new number' tactic on 0401518375?
The 'new number' message from 0401 518 375 is designed to catch you off guard and bypass your normal verification instincts. People trust family members, so scammers exploit that relationship to build credibility quickly. It's an opening move that often leads to follow-up requests for money or personal information once you've started communicating.
Is 0401 518 375 definitely a scam, or could it be a legitimate contact trying to reach me?
Based on the report about 0401518375, the impersonation tactic strongly indicates a scam. A real family member would not need to start a conversation by claiming they have a new number without any context - they would include personal details or reference shared history. When in doubt, verify through independent contact methods rather than engaging with 0401 518 375 directly.
Should I report this to the police as well as Scamwatch?
You can report to both. For financial loss or serious criminal activity, contact your local police or file a report at cyber.gov.au (ReportCyber). For scams generally, Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au is the primary reporting authority. Always report SMS from 0401 518 375 to your mobile provider by forwarding it to 0429 999 888.
Can I report 0401518375 on Reverseau and help other people?
Yes, please. If you received the impersonation SMS from 0401 518 375, contributing your report to Reverseau helps other Australians recognise the same number and avoid falling for the scam. Your experience makes the community safer and more informed about family impersonation tactics.