0403 005 728: Scam Alert - Impersonating Financial Institutions

• Scam

Beware of calls from 0403 005 728; users report it as a scam impersonating Optus and Commonwealth Bank. Learn how to handle calls from this number safely.

Identifying the Threat: 0403 005 728

In today's digital age, phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting legitimate institutions to mislead unsuspecting Australians. One such number, 0403 005 728, has raised red flags among users, leading to multiple reports categorising it as a scam.

Nature of the Scam

From the reviews, it can be classified primarily as an impersonation scam. The first report dated 4 June 2022 indicated that the number claimed to be from Optus, stating that a customer's last payment had been rejected. Users highlighted that this was not only false but a clear attempt to extract sensitive information by inducing panic.

A more alarming report from 7 June 2022 detailed an SMS impersonating Commonwealth Bank. It stated that a new device had been registered for the user to access their banking app, urging them to click on a suspicious link if it wasn’t them. Luckily, the individual immediately contacted the bank, who confirmed it was indeed a scam. Notably, this individual had no accounts with the Commonwealth Bank, raising further doubt about the credibility of the caller.

How to Handle Calls from 0403 005 728

• Do not engage: If you receive a call from this number, do not confirm any personal information or respond to prompts.
• Verify independently: If a caller claims to be from a legitimate company, hang up and contact them directly using a number from their official website.
• Report the scam: Report such numbers to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Cyber Security Centre to prevent others from falling victim.

Conclusion

0403 005 728 / 0403005728 has been identified as a potential threat as users consistently report it as a scam number. By sharing user experiences, we aim to raise awareness and equip individuals with the knowledge needed to protect themselves. Always remember to use services like Reverseau and Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to identify unknown callers and stay safe.