- Scam
0402 169 176 (0402169176): SMS scam impersonating ANZ with fake bonus point redemption links. Contributors report phishing attempts and personal info requests.
ANZ Bonus Points Phishing Scam on 0402 169 176
Two contributors have reported SMS messages from 0402 169 176 (also written as 0402169176) impersonating ANZ Bank with a phishing scam. Both messages claim the recipient has earned 4861 bonus points and encourage them to click a link to redeem. Critically, both contributors explicitly stated they do not bank with ANZ, indicating the scammer is casting a wide net with this impersonation tactic.
The SMS from 0402169176 uses a common phishing technique: creating urgency around a reward to entice recipients to click malicious links. The fake bonus point offer appears designed to lower a recipient's guard before requesting personal information needed for identity theft or financial fraud.
What Callers from 0402 169 176 Say
The SMS messages from 0402 169 176 contain nearly identical content across both reports. The message states the recipient has 4861 bonus points available and includes a clickable link for redemption. The specificity of the point amount (4861) suggests a pre-populated template rather than personalised communication, typical of mass phishing campaigns.
One contributor noted the text claimed the bonus points were from ANZ specifically, making this a clear case of brand impersonation. Neither contributor had any relationship with ANZ, yet both received identical messages on their mobile numbers, pointing to bulk SMS distribution to harvested phone number lists.
Report Patterns and Timing
Both SMS reports about 0402169176 arrived within 24 hours of each other (19-20 November 2025), suggesting coordinated campaign activity. The speed of consecutive reports for this Optus mobile number indicates the scam is actively targeting multiple Australian phone numbers in rapid succession.
One contributor took immediate action by blocking 0402 169 176 after recognising the scam. This response prevented any potential follow-up messages or secondary phishing attempts from the same number.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0402 169 176
If 0402169176 sends you a message about ANZ bonus points or any banking reward:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or provide personal information
- Do not: Call any phone number included in the message or contact details it provides
- Do: Block the number immediately on your phone
- Do: Delete the message without engaging further
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider (Optus in this case)
- Do: Forward the message to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's spam reporting service)
- Do: Verify directly with ANZ using their official phone number on your bank statement or their website if you have any concerns about your account
Why This Scam Works
Phishing scams using fake banking rewards exploit trust in recognisable brands like ANZ. By impersonating a major bank and offering a believable reward (bonus points), the scammer increases the likelihood that recipients will click the link. Once a victim clicks the link from 0402 169 176, they may be directed to a fake login page designed to harvest their banking credentials, or a malware download that compromises their device.
The use of a mobile number (0402169176) rather than a business SMS shortcode makes the scam appear more personal and harder to immediately identify as fraudulent.
How to Report 0402 169 176
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 or report online at acma.gov.au
- Scamwatch: Report the phishing attempt at scamwatch.gov.au for inclusion in their scam tracker
- ANZ Bank: Notify ANZ directly about the impersonation so they can issue alerts to their customers. Use the contact details on your ANZ statement or official ANZ website.
- Reverseau: Report your experience with 0402 169 176 on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this scam
- Your mobile provider: Report the number to Optus (your carrier) as spam or scam activity
Help others by sharing your experience with 0402 169 176!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Got a text saying I have 4861 bonus points and to click the link provided to redeem. Definitely a scam and I don't use ANZ. Blocked.
SMS claiming I have 4861 bonus points from ANZ. Don't even bank with ANZ
Help others by sharing your experience with 0402 169 176!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did I receive an SMS from 0402 169 176 about ANZ bonus points when I don't bank with ANZ?
The scammer using 0402169176 is likely sending bulk SMS messages to large lists of harvested phone numbers, not targeting specific ANZ customers. This increases their chances of finding someone willing to click the malicious link. The fact that both contributors do not use ANZ confirms the scam operates on a spray-and-pray basis rather than targeting actual ANZ account holders.
What happens if I click the link in the SMS from 0402 169 176?
Clicking the link from 0402169176 could direct you to a fake ANZ login page designed to steal your banking credentials, or to a malware download that compromises your phone or computer. Either outcome puts your personal data and financial security at serious risk. Do not click links in unexpected SMS messages about rewards.
Is 0402 169 176 a real ANZ customer service number?
No. 0402169176 is an Optus mobile number, not an official ANZ contact number. ANZ's official customer service numbers are listed on their website and on the back of your ANZ card or statement. Never use contact details from an unexpected SMS or email to verify banking information.
Should I reply to the SMS from 0402 169 176 to unsubscribe?
No. Do not reply to 0402169176 under any circumstances. Replying confirms your number is active and monitored, which may increase the volume of scam messages you receive from this or similar numbers. Instead, block the number and report it to ACMA at 0429 999 888.
Can I trace who is using 0402 169 176 to send scams?
0402169176 is registered to Optus Mobile, but the actual scammer is likely spoofing or using a compromised account. ACMA and Optus can investigate, but tracing requires law enforcement involvement. Report 0402 169 176 to ACMA and Scamwatch so authorities can track patterns and take action against phishing campaigns.
What should I do if I already clicked the link or entered information from 0402 169 176?
Contact ANZ immediately using the number on your official ANZ statement or website to check your account security. Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for unauthorised activity. If you entered login details or personal information on the fake page, change your ANZ password and enable two-factor authentication. Consider a credit report check with Equifax or Experian to detect potential identity theft.