- Scam
0402 806 938 (0402806938): Contributor reports fake toll fee SMS claiming unpaid charges. Impersonation scam targeting motorists with false debt claims.
Toll Impersonation SMS Scam Targeting 0402 806 938
One contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 0402 806 938 (also written as 0402806938) claiming unpaid toll fees were outstanding. The message appears designed to pressure the recipient into believing they owe money to a road authority or toll operator. The contributor, who has automatic toll payment set up in their vehicle, immediately recognised the claim as fraudulent since their tolls are already paid automatically.
This type of impersonation targeting motorists is particularly effective because toll systems are genuinely used across Australia, making the initial claim appear legitimate. Scammers rely on recipients panicking before verifying the claim directly with the actual toll operator.
What the SMS from 0402806938 Claims
The SMS received from 0402 806 938 falsely claimed the recipient had unpaid toll fees outstanding. The message did not specify which toll system (M1, Sydney Harbour Bridge, CityLink, etc.) or provide a legitimate toll authority contact method, which are red flags contributors should watch for when evaluating similar messages.
The contributor noted the claim made no sense given their automatic toll payment arrangement, suggesting the scammer was using a generic message sent to numerous motorists in hopes some would respond or click links embedded in the SMS from 0402806938.
How to Respond If You Receive an SMS from 0402 806 938
If 0402 806 938 sends you an SMS about toll fees:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or provide personal information
- Do not: Call any number provided in the message
- Do: Delete the SMS immediately
- Do: Verify toll charges directly by logging into your official toll account or contacting the toll operator's official customer service number from their website
- Do: Block 0402806938 in your phone settings to prevent further contact
- Do: Report the SMS to your mobile provider (this number is registered to Optus Mobile) and to the relevant authorities
Report Patterns for 0402 806 938
The single report about 0402 806 938 came through SMS rather than voice call, which is typical of toll impersonation scams. Scammers often use SMS because it bypasses voice screening and can be sent to large numbers of Australians in bulk. The contributor received the message from an Optus mobile number, though the number itself is likely spoofed or compromised rather than legitimately registered to the scammer.
How to Report 0402 806 938
If you receive a toll impersonation SMS from 0402 806 938 or similar messages:
- Report to ACMA: Forward scam SMS to 0429 999 888 with details of the sending number (0402806938)
- Report to Scamwatch: Visit scamwatch.gov.au and lodge a report describing the toll scam SMS
- Report to your mobile provider: Contact Optus to report the scam SMS from 0402 806 938
- Report to Reverseau: Submit your experience with this number to help other Australians identify toll impersonation attempts
- Report to the actual toll operator: If the SMS claimed charges on a specific toll (Sydney Harbour Bridge, M1, etc.), contact that operator directly to report the impersonation
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What Our Users Reviewed
SMS about unpaid toll fees, but I have automatic toll in car so doesn't make sense
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would I receive a toll scam SMS from 0402 806 938 if I don't use toll roads?
Scammers sending SMS from 0402 806 938 (0402806938) use generic messages broadcast to thousands of phone numbers. They don't target specific toll users - the goal is to catch enough people who do pay tolls or who panic before checking their accounts. Even if the claim doesn't apply to you, report the message to help authorities track the scammer.
Is 0402806938 definitely a scam, or could it be a real toll notice?
Legitimate toll operators never send unsolicited SMS demanding payment from random numbers like 0402 806 938. Real toll notices come through official channels - your registered toll account, official websites, or registered mail. If you receive an SMS from 0402806938 about tolls, it is a scam.
What should I do if I already clicked a link in the SMS from 0402 806 938?
Do not enter any personal information or banking details on any page that loads. Close the browser immediately and do not return to the link. Block 0402806938 in your phone settings. Monitor your bank account and credit report for suspicious activity. Consider contacting your bank's fraud department if you entered sensitive information. Report the number to ACMA (0429 999 888) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au).
Can I trust a toll payment link if it's sent from a mobile number like 0402 806 938?
No. Legitimate toll operators do not send payment links via SMS from random mobile numbers like 0402806938. They direct you to their official websites or provide toll notices through registered mail. If you need to pay tolls, always log in directly to the official toll operator's website or app - never use links from unsolicited SMS messages.
Should I reply 'STOP' to the SMS from 0402806938 to unsubscribe?
No. Do not reply to the SMS from 0402 806 938 in any way. Replying confirms your number is active and monitored, which makes scammers more likely to target you again with follow-up messages. Simply delete the SMS, block 0402806938, and report it to 0429 999 888.
Is Optus responsible for the scam SMS from 0402 806 938?
The number 0402806938 is registered to Optus Mobile, but the scammer likely spoofed or compromised this number rather than legitimately owning it. Report the scam SMS to Optus directly so they can investigate. You can also report it to ACMA, who monitors scam activity across all Australian mobile networks.