0404 641 946 - 0404641946: PayPal Impersonation Scam

• Scam

0404 641 946 (0404641946): Contributor reports PayPal impersonation scam requesting app installation and personal data, followed by coordinated calls from multiple related numbers.

PayPal Impersonation Reports for 0404 641 946

One contributor has reported a PayPal impersonation scam originating from 0404 641 946 (also written as 0404641946). The caller falsely claimed an unauthorised $700 gift card purchase had occurred and pressured the recipient to install a security app to 'protect' their account. This is a classic phishing approach designed to compromise device security and steal login credentials.

The report indicates a coordinated attack pattern. After the initial call to 0404 641 946 was disconnected, the contributor received a barrage of follow-up calls from 16 different numbers, all sharing the 0404-64x-xxx prefix. This suggests the scammer operates multiple lines or has automated systems generating calls from a number range, likely to bypass blocking and increase the likelihood of catching the target off-guard.

What the Caller from 0404 641 946 Claimed

The caller impersonating PayPal told the contributor that a $700 gift card transaction had just been made on their account without authorisation. The false urgency tactic was paired with a demand to install an unidentified app to 'secure' the phone and prevent further fraudulent activity. In reality, legitimate PayPal security measures never involve third-party app installations initiated by unsolicited calls.

The scammer's request for app installation is the critical giveaway. Once installed, such apps grant access to device data, banking credentials, and two-factor authentication codes. The contributor's decision to hang up prevented credential theft, but the subsequent barrage from related numbers suggests the scammer's database flagged this line for persistent contact attempts.

The Coordinated Call Pattern

The most telling detail in this report about 0404641946 is the immediate follow-up campaign. Receiving 16 calls from different numbers within the same 0404-64x-xxx range after rejecting the initial call indicates the scammer uses either a dialling system that cycles through sequential numbers or multiple SIM cards activated in rapid succession. This behaviour is typical of organised scam operations running multiple parallel campaigns.

The timing and coordination suggest the scammer may have flagged this phone number as 'resistant' after the first rejection and escalated it for aggressive callback attempts. Each new number provides a fresh opportunity to catch the target unaware, as many people are more likely to answer unfamiliar numbers believing it might be important.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 0404 641 946

If 0404 641 946 calls or any number matching 0404-64x-xxx contacts you:

• Do not: Install any app suggested by the caller, provide personal information, or acknowledge account details
• Do not: Return the call or engage in conversation to verify legitimacy
• Do: Hang up immediately and block the number
• Do: Contact PayPal directly using the official phone number on your statement or the PayPal website to verify any claims
• Do: Report the pattern of calls from the 0404-64x-xxx range to your phone provider and block all similar numbers
• Do: Enable call filtering on your device if available

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0404 641 946

If you receive any text message from 0404641946 or related numbers in the same range:

• Do not: Click any links, download attachments, or reply to the message
• Do: Report the SMS as spam to your provider immediately
• Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's spam reporting number)
• Do: Block the number and any similar numbers from the 0404-64x-xxx range
• Do: Delete the message after reporting

How to Report 0404 641 946

If you have experienced a call or SMS from 0404 641 946 (0404641946) or any related numbers in the 0404-64x-xxx range, report it through these official Australian channels:

• Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Lodge a report describing the PayPal impersonation attempt and the coordinated follow-up calls
• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report the scam calls and the pattern of multiple related numbers
• Your phone provider: Contact Vodafone Australia directly to report the scam activity on this mobile number and request blocking of the 0404-64x-xxx range
• PayPal: Report the impersonation directly through your PayPal account or contact PayPal support to flag the fraudulent activity
• ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - If you were compromised or provided any data
• Reverseau: Share your experience with 0404 641 946 to help other Australians identify and avoid this scam

Frequently Asked Questions