- Scam
0403 629 255 (0403629255): Contributors report fake Medicare/HotDoc refund SMS with phishing links impersonating health services.
Medicare Refund Phishing SMS from 0403 629 255
Two contributors have reported scam SMS messages from 0403 629 255 (also written as 0403629255) falsely claiming they have a medical refund waiting. The messages impersonate legitimate health services, specifically HotDoc and Medicare, to trick recipients into clicking malicious links. Both reports describe receiving text messages from 0403629255 stating something similar to "You have a medical refund on your account" with an embedded link.
The attackers behind 0403 629 255 are using a classic phishing approach, leveraging trust in government health services and the promise of money to lower recipients' guard. One contributor explicitly noted they recognised the SMS from this number as "100% SCAM" and did not engage with the link.
What Callers from 0403 629 255 Say via SMS
Reports of SMS messages from 0403 629 255 describe messages claiming refunds are due. One contributor received an SMS saying they have "a medical refund on my account" with instructions to click a link. Another report mentions the message specifically referenced HotDoc Medicare refund language.
The tactics are deliberate: the messages use urgency (implying money is waiting), familiarity (referencing real government and health services like Medicare and HotDoc), and a call-to-action (click the link). Contributors report that 0403629255 is impersonating health or government services to establish false legitimacy.
Report Patterns and Timing
Both reports of 0403 629 255 came through SMS channel within a five-day period (22-27 October 2025), suggesting active campaign timing. The mobile number is allocated to Optus, a major Australian telco. The consistency of the refund-claiming message and phishing link across both reports indicates a coordinated scam operation rather than isolated incidents.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0403 629 255
If 0403 629 255 texts you:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or call the number back
- Do not: Share personal information, banking details, or Medicare information
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block 0403629255 on your phone to prevent future messages
- Do: Report the SMS to your telco (Optus in this case) as spam/phishing
- Do: Forward the message to the ACMA at 0429 999 888 and include the sender number (0403 629 255)
- Do: Verify directly with Medicare or your health provider using their official website or phone number if you're concerned about any actual refunds
How to Report 0403 629 255
If you receive a phishing SMS from this number, report it through Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 with the sender's number (0403 629 255). ACMA handles complaints about scam calls and SMS.
- Scamwatch: Report the scam at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message and the number 0403629255
- Your telco: Contact Optus directly to report the phishing SMS from 0403 629 255 on their network
- Reverseau: Share your experience with 0403629255 to help other Australians identify this scam number
If you clicked the link from 0403 629 255, monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised activity and consider changing passwords for financial and health accounts.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0403 629 255!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Same thing I got a text from this number saying I have a medical refund on my account and to click link.100% SCAM.
SMS about HotDoc Medicare refund with a link, didn't click it
Help others by sharing your experience with 0403 629 255!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 0403 629 255 a real Medicare or HotDoc number?
No. 0403 629 255 (0403629255) is a scam number impersonating these services. Medicare and HotDoc will never send unsolicited SMS asking you to click a link for a refund. If you think you're owed a refund, contact Medicare directly via their official website (humanservices.gov.au) or phone number, never via a link in an unsolicited SMS from 0403 629 255.
What happens if I click the link in an SMS from 0403 629 255?
The link from 0403 629 255 likely leads to a fake login page designed to steal your personal, banking, or Medicare information. Clicking could expose you to identity theft or financial fraud. If you did click, do not enter any credentials. Change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
Why am I receiving SMS from 0403 629 255 about a refund I never applied for?
Scammers use refund messages because they exploit hope and urgency. The sender of 0403629255 is betting you'll act quickly without verifying. Your phone number may have been obtained through data breaches, purchased from marketing lists, or randomly targeted. Block 0403 629 255 and do not engage.
Should I reply to 0403 629 255 asking them to stop?
No. Do not reply to messages from 0403 629 255 or any unknown number claiming to be a refund service. Replying confirms your number is active and monitored, which may lead to more scam messages. Block and delete instead.
Can I report 0403 629 255 to the police?
You can report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) or the ACMA (0429 999 888). For phishing and online fraud, you can also report via ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. Local police may take reports but usually refer SMS scams to ACMA since they're interstate/international in nature.
Is 0403629255 a real Optus number?
The number 0403629255 is allocated to Optus, but scammers often spoof or clone numbers. The sender may not actually be using this Optus account legitimately. Report it to Optus and the ACMA so they can investigate and prevent further misuse.