- Suspicious
One contributor reported a suspicious SMS from 0408 128 736 (0408128736) using social engineering to extract personal details by claiming a mistaken contact.
Personal Information Request via SMS from 0408 128 736
One contributor has reported a suspicious SMS from 0408 128 736 (also written as 0408128736) that employed a social engineering tactic. The message claimed the sender had dialled by mistake, supposedly looking for someone named Heather, but notably the sender already knew the recipient's actual name. This pattern is a classic pretext to establish false familiarity and lower the recipient's guard before requesting sensitive information.
What the Caller Claimed
The SMS from 0408128736 used a mistaken contact angle as a conversational opener. The caller referenced trying to reach "Heather" while already possessing the recipient's name, suggesting either data harvesting or contact list cross-referencing. This mismatch between the claimed accidental contact and the actual knowledge of the recipient's identity is a red flag for social engineering.
How This Tactic Works
Personal information requests via SMS often begin with seemingly innocent or apologetic messages. The sender from 0408 128 736 created a false sense of commonality by acknowledging familiarity while feigning confusion. Once a recipient engages with such a message, follow-up requests often escalate to asking for confirmation of details like date of birth, address, bank details, or other identifiers. The initial "mistake" framing is designed to make the request feel casual and non-threatening.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0408 128 736
If you receive a message from 0408 128 736 or similar numbers:
- Do not: Reply to the message, confirm any personal details, or engage further conversation
- Do not: Click any links in the SMS or provide information to verify your identity
- Do: Delete the message immediately if it appears unsolicited
- Do: Block the number 0408128736 to prevent future contact
- Do: Report the SMS as spam or suspicious to your mobile provider (Telstra in this case)
- Do: Forward suspicious SMS to the Australian Communications and Media Authority by texting the message content to 0429 999 888
How to Report 0408 128 736
If you receive suspicious contact from 0408 128 736, consider reporting it through the following channels:
- Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA spam reporting service)
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message and time received
- Contact your provider Telstra directly to report the number and request blocking
- Report the incident on Reverseau to help other Australian contributors identify patterns from 0408128736
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Message saying they rang by mistake for a Heather, but they knew my name
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer text from 0408 128 736 claiming they had the wrong number when they already knew my name?
This is a social engineering tactic. By claiming a mistaken contact from 0408 128 736, the sender establishes false familiarity and lowers your guard. Knowing your name in advance demonstrates they have obtained your details from somewhere, making the false apology seem plausible and encouraging you to engage. This initial 'mistake' often precedes requests for sensitive information.
Is 0408128736 a real phone number or spoofed?
0408128736 is a legitimate mobile number format assigned to Telstra Limited. However, scammers can spoof numbers to appear as though they're calling from valid phone numbers. The fact that 0408 128 736 was used for this social engineering attempt doesn't indicate whether the actual sender is using the real service or a spoofed version.
What should I do if I already replied to the SMS from 0408 128 736?
If you engaged with the message from 0408128736, stop communication immediately. Do not provide any additional information. Block the number 0408 128 736 and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If you shared personal details, consider contacting your bank or relevant service provider to flag potential fraud risk.
How did the sender from 0408 128 736 know my name?
The fact that 0408128736 already knew your name suggests your details may have been sourced from a data breach, sold contact list, or obtained through public records. Scammers purchase or steal contact lists that include names and phone numbers. This pre-knowledge is what makes the 'mistaken contact' claim from 0408 128 736 seem credible.
Should I contact 0408 128 736 to ask who they are?
No. Do not call or text 0408128736 to ask for clarification. Any attempt to contact them may confirm your number is active and responsive, encouraging further contact. Simply block the number 0408 128 736 and report it to ACMA at 0429 999 888 instead.
Is there a way to block messages from 0408 128 736 on my phone?
Yes. On most Australian mobile phones, you can block 0408128736 directly through your contacts or messaging app settings. Additionally, contact your provider Telstra to request they block messages from 0408 128 736 at the network level. You can also use your phone's native spam filter or third-party SMS filtering apps to prevent future messages from this number.