- Scam
Scam alert: 04 0251 3184 (0402513184) sends fake Qantas points expiry SMS with phishing link. One report from Optus mobile user.
Qantas Phishing SMS Scam from 04 0251 3184
A contributor reported receiving a text message from 04 0251 3184 (also written as 0402513184) claiming their Qantas frequent flyer points were about to expire. The recipient had never flown with Qantas, making the message an immediate red flag. The SMS included a link designed to harvest personal information or credentials.
This type of scam exploits familiarity with major Australian airline loyalty programs. Scammers know most Australians recognise Qantas, making the message appear legitimate at first glance. By creating false urgency around expiring points, they pressure recipients into clicking the malicious link without verification.
What the Phishing SMS from 04 0251 3184 Contained
The text message reported from 0402513184 presented itself as an urgent notification about Qantas points expiring soon. The inclusion of a clickable link is the key indicator this was a phishing attempt, not legitimate communication from Qantas. Legitimate companies like Qantas direct customers to their official website or app for account management, never via SMS with external links.
Why This Scam Targets You
Phishing scams using airline loyalty programs work because they exploit:
- Brand recognition - Qantas is trusted and well-known across Australia
- False urgency - expiry deadlines create pressure to act quickly
- Assumption - many Australians have flown with Qantas at some point
- Legitimate-looking formatting - scammers copy official branding and messaging style
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 0251 3184
If you receive a phishing SMS from 04 0251 3184:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or call any numbers provided
- Do: Delete the message immediately and block the sender
- Do: If you have a Qantas account, log in directly through the official Qantas website or app to check your points balance
- Do: Report the SMS to your mobile provider - Optus customers can forward phishing texts to 0429 999 888
How to Report 04 0251 3184
Report this phishing scam through these channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the SMS via acma.gov.au - provide the sender number (0402513184), timestamp, and message content
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au describing the Qantas points phishing attempt
- Qantas directly: Forward the SMS to Qantas customer service so they can investigate impersonation of their brand
- Reverseau: Share your experience with 04 0251 3184 to help other Australians identify this scam
Each report strengthens the community's understanding of which numbers are actively used for phishing campaigns.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0402 513 184!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Text about Qantas points expiring, never flown with them, had a link
Help others by sharing your experience with 0402 513 184!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 04 0251 3184 a real Qantas number?
No. Qantas official SMS messages come from recognised Qantas numbers and never contain clickable links directing you elsewhere. If you're unsure, ignore the SMS and contact Qantas directly using the number on your loyalty card or their official website. The number 0402513184 has been reported for impersonation.
What happens if I clicked the link in the SMS from 04 0251 3184?
If you clicked the link from 04 0251 3184, treat it as a potential security compromise. Do not enter personal details, passwords, or payment information. Change your passwords for any loyalty programs or banking apps you use. Monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity. If you're concerned, contact your bank or airline directly using official contact details.
Why did I receive a Qantas scam SMS from 0402513184 if I don't fly with Qantas?
Scammers using 04 0251 3184 cast a wide net with phishing SMS because they know most Australians are familiar with Qantas. They don't need to verify whether you're actually a customer - the message relies on brand recognition to seem believable. If it reaches someone who does have a Qantas account, the urgency tactic is more likely to work.
How do I block 04 0251 3184 on my phone?
Most Australian mobile phones allow you to block numbers directly. Go to your recent calls or messages, find 0402513184, and select 'Block' or 'Add to Blocked Contacts'. On Optus networks, you can also use network-level blocking through your account settings or contact Optus support for additional filtering options.
Should I report this to Optus since 04 0251 3184 is on their network?
Yes. While Optus provides the network infrastructure, the scam is reported to ACMA and Scamwatch, not directly to Optus support. However, you can forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 to help Australia's telecom regulator track scam activity. This helps ACMA take action against networks being abused for phishing.
Can I get in trouble for reporting 0402513184?
No. Reporting a suspected phishing scam from 04 0251 3184 to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) or ACMA (acma.gov.au) is safe and encouraged. These agencies handle reports confidentially and use the information to build cases against scammers. You're helping protect other Australians from the same threat.