- Scam
Community reports for 0404 494 909 (0404494909): Fake job vacancy SMS targeting pensioners, redirecting to text this number.
Job Recruitment Scam Reports for 0404 494 909
A contributor on aged pension has reported receiving an SMS from +2127813959909 advertising a job vacancy. The message directed them to text 0404 494 909 (also written as 0404494909) for more information. The contributor, who has never actively searched for work online, identified this as a scam recruitment attempt.
This pattern reflects a common job recruitment scam where fraudsters send unsolicited job offers via SMS to cast a wide net across demographics unlikely to be job hunting. The redirection to 0404494909 suggests the scammers are using this Vodafone mobile number as a contact point to verify active numbers and potentially collect personal information from respondents.
What Callers or Senders from 0404 494 909 Claim
The SMS from the originating number (+2127813959909) claimed to offer a job vacancy without specifying the role, company, or salary. This vagueness is a hallmark of recruitment scams, which rely on curiosity and the prospect of employment to encourage replies. Once a victim texts 0404 494 909, scammers typically begin extracting personal details, banking information, or request upfront fees for application processing, training materials, or background checks.
The fact that the contributor had never searched for employment online suggests the scammers sourced contact details from a data breach or bulk SMS list, increasing the likelihood this number is being used to harvest responses from multiple victims across different demographics.
Report Patterns and Timing
This report was submitted in August 2026. The SMS originated from an international number (+2127813959909, likely a spoofed or compromised number), with 0404 494 909 serving as the response vector. Job recruitment scams often target pensioners and older Australians, who may be less familiar with online hiring processes and more willing to engage with unsolicited job offers out of financial need or curiosity.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0404 494 909
If 0404 494 909 texts you with a job offer or employment opportunity:
- Do not: Reply to the SMS, text this number back, click any links in the message, or provide personal information
- Do not: Pay any fees for application processing, training kits, or background checks
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block 0404494909 on your phone
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider
- Do: Forward the message to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's SMS reporting line)
- Do: Verify job offers independently by contacting the company directly using contact details from their official website, not from the SMS
How to Report 0404 494 909
If you receive messages from 0404 494 909 or similar job recruitment scams:
- Report to ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) by forwarding the SMS to 0429 999 888
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au, including the SMS content and sender details
- Report the SMS as spam through your mobile provider's reporting tools
- File a report on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
If you've already engaged with the scammers or provided personal information, contact your bank immediately and consider reporting the incident to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0404 494 909!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
SMS from +2127813959909 with job vacancy, on aged pension have never being online looking for work, said to text 0404494909. Definitely a scam.
Text about a job opening, wanted me to message back. Not looking for work
Help others by sharing your experience with 0404 494 909!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
I received a job offer SMS directing me to text 0404 494 909. Is this legitimate?
No. Unsolicited SMS job offers directing you to text 0404494909 are almost certainly scams. Legitimate employers recruit through established job boards, LinkedIn, or direct contact via verified company channels, not through random SMS messages. Do not reply to 0404 494 909 or provide any personal information.
What happens if I reply to 0404 494 909 with my details?
Replying to 0404494909 or the originating scam number puts you at high risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and ongoing harassment. Scammers use responses to validate your number as active, add you to target lists, and begin extracting personal details like name, address, bank account information, and tax file number. If you've already replied, contact your bank and monitor your credit.
Why are job recruitment scams targeting pensioners specifically?
Job recruitment scams often target older Australians and pensioners because they may have financial need, be less familiar with modern recruitment processes, and more likely to respond to employment opportunities. Scammers sending SMS to 0404 494 909 likely purchased bulk contact lists without demographic targeting, but pensioners are statistically more vulnerable to follow-up exploitation once they engage.
How do I know if a genuine job offer is real before texting back?
Genuine job offers never arrive unsolicited via SMS asking you to text a personal mobile number like 0404494909. Real employers provide company names, specific job titles, salary ranges, and direct you to official recruitment websites or verified contact channels. If you see a job advertised on LinkedIn or a major job board like Seek or Indeed, you can safely apply through those platforms instead.
Should I block 0404 494 909 after receiving this scam SMS?
Yes. Block 0404494909 immediately on your phone. Also report the SMS to your mobile provider and forward it to ACMA at 0429 999 888. Do not attempt to reply, call, or engage with the number in any way. Blocking and reporting help prevent this number from targeting other Australians.
What should I do if I've already sent money or personal details to someone after texting 0404 494 909?
Contact your bank immediately and report the fraud. If you sent money via bank transfer, ask your bank to attempt a recall. Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. If you've given personal information, monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with credit agencies. You can also report to the ACCC for potential identity theft follow-up.